An Indian immigrant residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Rajeev Arikkatt, has defied the odds to win a monumental 15 million dirhams in the Big Ticket Abu Dhabi weekly lottery draw. This extraordinary windfall, translating to approximately Rs 33 Crore, has not only stunned Rajeev but also promises to be a life-changing event for him and his family.
Rajeev’s success story is notably distinctive because of the method he used to secure his winning ticket. He received a free lottery ticket that bore the birth dates of his two children. Rajeev, originally hailing from Kerala, works diligently as a draftsman in an architectural firm. He resides in Al Ain along with his wife and children, aged five and eight. Despite years of participation and purchasing lottery tickets, he had never found success until he chose the numbers 7 and 13, reflecting his children’s birth dates, ultimately hitting the jackpot with ticket number 037130.
“Initially, I was completely speechless,” Rajeev conveyed to Khaleej Times. “I’ve been living in Al Ain for over a decade and buying tickets for three years. This is the first time I have ever won something like this. Two months ago, I narrowly missed a one-million-dirham prize with the same number combination, but now I have been truly fortunate.” His incredulity accentuates the dramatic shift in his fortunes, encapsulating the unpredictability that makes lottery wins so compelling.
He went on to elaborate, “I recognized the host’s voice immediately. I’ve been following the draws for years, always hoping for my time. Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined hearing my name as the winner of the grand prize. This isn’t just a win for me; it’s a transformative moment for many people.”
Rajeev intends to share his windfall with 19 others, spreading the fortune and joy among his group, a gesture that highlights his generosity and community spirit.
. This decision to divide his winnings underscores the collective morale often seen in lottery syndicates and shared ventures, where the gains of one become the benefits for many.
The backdrop to Rajeev’s life makes this victory all the more poignant. Emigrating from Kerala, India, to the bustling economic landscapes of the UAE, he carved a modest yet stable life for his family. Working diligently as a draftsman, Rajeev has demonstrated the classic immigrant ethos of perseverance and resilience. Over the past three years, he has consistently invested in Big Ticket Abu Dhabi draws, each ticket purchased representing hope and a dream for a better tomorrow.
The use of his children’s birth dates as his lottery numbers was, in retrospect, a masterstroke. Birthdays are commonly regarded as lucky numbers, but the alignment of fortunes to secure a jackpot win is an extraordinary instance of coincidence and providence.
Reflecting on his win, Rajeev expressed a mosaic of emotions – joy, disbelief, excitement, and planning. “Despite the initial shock, I am now considering how best to put this money to use. There are so many possibilities and decisions to be made, but the one certainty is that life for my family and the others I will share with will never be the same again.”
This significant win has naturally catapulted Rajeev into an entirely different financial stratum. However, his stated intentions to judiciously plan the utilization of his winnings point to a thoughtful and strategic approach, ensuring that the windfall serves long-term benefits rather than momentary indulgence.
Rajeev’s story has already begun to inspire many, embodying the spirit of hope and the idea that life can change in an instant. His dedication, optimism, and the collective support system he adheres to are key takeaways for anyone dreaming big. The tale of how a draftsman from Kerala, through unwavering hope and the birth dates of his children, clinched a fortune of AED 15 million in the UAE is not only remarkable but also deeply human, reminding us all of the power of belief and the magic of serendipity.
Rajeev Arikkatt’s lottery win, thus, is more than a windfall; it’s a narrative of dreams coming true, the value of persistence, and the joy of shared celebrations.
