Doing the right thing at the right moment

One morning of September 2008, I reported to work as usual at the Thiruvananthapuram branch of TCS. After completing sweeping in the common area, I started cleaning the rooms of the hostel. In one of the rooms, I stumbled upon a neatly folded white envelope with something inside. Even though I was hesitant at first, I gathered courage and opened the envelope. To my surprise I found a bundle of 100 notes amounting to र10,000.

My palms began sweating as I held the notes. I do not know how long I stared at the notes. I was in two minds – Should I leave it where I found? Should I hand it over to the authorities? What, if I had misplaced my money?

I shuddered at the very thought.

Finally, I put the money back into the envelope and went straight to my Supervisor, Biju Aruldas, and reported the matter. I felt relieved! The supervisor duly handed over the money to the owner and informed the higher authorities of G4S.

I was awarded with a certificate of merit by the G4S zonal office and recognised by the hostel authorities. The lady who almost lost her money gave me र500 out of gratitude.

I feel proud when I look at the certificate, but frankly I had no expectations of any reward for my action. I did what I felt right at that moment.