Lizzie Chapman, co-founder and former CEO of ZestMoney, recently shared a heartfelt story on LinkedIn that highlighted the spirit of honesty and trustworthiness in Mumbai. The incident not only resonated with her followers but also reaffirmed why Mumbai is often regarded as one of the most honest cities in the world.
In the early hours of Monday morning, Chapman was rushing to catch a 5:45 am flight. In her haste, she jumped out of the taxi at the airport, leaving behind her personal journal—a trusted companion she uses for notes and ideas. By the time she realised her mistake in Delhi, she was devastated.
“I was heartbroken,” she wrote. “That journal was more than just paper—it was filled with thoughts, plans, and memories. But I decided to chalk it up to bad luck and told myself, maybe it’s time to go fully digital.”
Little did she know, the city’s spirit of trust would surprise her in the most unexpected way.
That evening, Chapman heard a knock on her door. To her astonishment, standing there was the same taxi driver, holding her journal. He had kept it safe and returned it at the earliest opportunity.
“He figured out which apartment was mine by speaking to the watchman. It was so humbling. He didn’t expect anything in return and was genuinely happy to have reunited me with something valuable,” Chapman recounted.
While she insisted on rewarding him with a small token of appreciation, the driver initially declined, showcasing the kind of selfless integrity that many associate with Mumbai.
This wasn’t Chapman's first encounter with Mumbai’s honesty. She shared another instance when she had accidentally left an expensive camera in a black-and-yellow taxi. Hours later, the driver returned it to her doorstep.
“In 13 years of living in India, this is the fourth time something like this has happened to me,” she noted. “It’s a testament to the kind of city Mumbai is—where trust and decency are still ingrained in its people.”
Chapman compared this experience with the current situation in her hometown of London, which is grappling with a surge in crime. “Every week, I hear stories of thefts and break-ins among my close friends back home. It’s heartbreaking,” she said, adding that Mumbai’s safety and security create a unique privilege for its residents.
She even pointed to the famous "Reader’s Digest Lost Wallet Experiment," where Mumbai ranked as one of the most honest cities globally. “It’s proof that even as our skyline changes rapidly, some things in Mumbai remain constant. Honesty and integrity are still part of the city’s DNA,” she concluded with pride.
Her post resonated with many, garnering numerous comments from users who shared similar experiences and praised the city's integrity.
One user commented, "This is such a heartwarming story. Mumbai truly is a city with a big heart."
Another shared, "I've had a similar experience where a taxi driver returned my lost phone. The honesty in this city is unparalleled."
A fellow resident added, "Stories like these make me proud to be a Mumbaikar. The sense of community here is unmatched."
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