Prakash Dhakal previously worked as a sub-editor for a number of English newspapers in the Nepali capital Kathmandu for some years. He has studied Sociology and Journalism in Nepal, International Social Welfare and Health Policy in Norway and Community Development Work in Finland.

FINLAND is often portrayed as one of the least corrupt countries in the world. It may be an issue of debate, yet after living in Finland for some years I have witnessed honesty clearly reflected in daily life.

In the beginning of 2008, I had work training in the community development work section of the Helsinki Social Office in Vuosaari. One freezing spring morning on the way to work, I realised I was on the wrong metro. As I was already a bit late for work, I hurried out of the metro just to realise that I had left my wallet in the carriage. Obviously, it was not just a wallet – all my cards, IDs and a substantial amount of cash were lost.

I decided to stay in Kontula for the time being and then go to Itäkeskus to report the loss to the police. I waited in vain whether God would send an angel with my wallet. When I called metro security to ask if anything could be done the person on the phone explained something to me in a language that I didn’t understand.

After that, I took a metro back to Itäkeskus. As I took the lift upstairs to the police office, to my surprise a middle-aged Finnish lady came to me, stopped me, looked into my eyes and said: “I suppose this is your wallet.” I cannot describe how happy I was to get my wallet back intact. I thanked her, we hugged, and then we both had to hurry to work.

Since then I have travelled much, and everywhere I go people ask me to share my experiences in the “least corrupted society” of Santa Claus. I almost always repeat the story of the wallet that once was lost and had been found – within only one hour! The other amazing element of the story is the woman who found my wallet. She was in a hurry to get to work yet she came back trying to track the wallet’s owner in a business hub of a capital city. Unbelievable!

Living here for some years now I can say that while alcoholism, loneliness and depression issues blended with “Finnish melancholy” prevail as social constructs, honesty is highly valued. The wallet ordeal is an example for honesty, education and responsibility.

The event amazed me beyond belief, and it still astonishes others with whom I share the story. I am sure I am not the only one who had such experiences in Finland. While I don’t deny that honest people exist in every society, I don’t need research to prove that Finnish people are mostly honest, hardworking and well educated. I personally doubt if a safer place exists in this world.

When it comes to the Finnish ladies – believe it or not – they are not just beautiful, but also honest, kind and thoughtful! Living here for some years, I am now getting to know the idea behind Finnish honesty. Kudos to the society that has given both equal rights to its people, and good training in responsibility, honesty and trust.