In a heartwarming turn of events, an Indian immigrant residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has struck gold, winning an enormous 15 million dirhams (approximately Rs 33 crore) in the Big Ticket Abu Dhabi weekly lottery draw. This life-changing moment was realized by none other than Rajeev Arikkatt, a draftsman working in an architectural firm, who has been living in Al Ain, UAE, for over a decade with his wife and two young children.
Rajeev, originally hailing from the Indian state of Kerala, has been a diligent participant in the Big Ticket lottery for the past three years. His perseverance was finally rewarded in an unexpected and delightful manner. What’s fascinating is that this massive win came from a free ticket that bore the birth dates of his two children, aged five and eight. Rajeev’s winning ticket number 037130 corresponded to the birth dates of his kids, making the victory even more poignant and memorable for the family.
The fortunate win has left Rajeev in absolute amazement. In an interview with Khaleej Times, he reflected on the moment he realized his life was about to change drastically. “I have been residing in Al Ain for more than 10 years. I have been purchasing tickets for the past 3 years. This is the first time I have won a lottery. This time, my wife and I selected tickets with numbers 7 and 13, which are the birth dates of our children. Two months back, I missed Dh 1 million by a whisker with the same combination but this time I was fortunate,” Rajeev said, still reeling from the revelation.
Rajeev described the sheer disbelief and excitement that ensued when he heard the news. “I was speechless. I couldn’t describe the feelings in words. I recognized the host’s voice, as I had been listening to it for years.
. I knew he called the winners, but I never imagined it was the first prize. It was a surprise. This is a life-changing moment, not just for me but for others in our group.”
What makes Rajeev’s story even more remarkable is his immediate resolve to share his good fortune. He plans to distribute a portion of his windfall to 19 other individuals, spreading the wealth and making his joy a shared experience. This gesture accentuates the communal and selfless spirit Rajeev embodies, remaining grounded even in the face of such overwhelming success.
Despite his newfound fortune, Rajeev is still mulling over how to utilize this substantial sum of money. With a realistic and pragmatic approach, he intends to carefully plan the usage of these funds to ensure a secure and prosperous future for his family and those around him. The win is not just a transformation for Rajeev’s immediate family, but it has the potential to impact the lives of many others, illustrating the power and ripple effect of good fortune.
This victory also shines a light on the human ability to hope and believe against all odds. Rajeev’s perseverance in participating in the lottery, despite missing out narrowly before, and his insistence on using the birth dates of his beloved children, underscore a narrative filled with optimism, faith, and a bit of serendipity.
The community in Al Ain and beyond is buzzing with Rajeev’s success story, serving as a beacon of hope for many who partake in similar endeavors. Stories like Rajeev’s are emblematic of the saying, “Fortune favors the brave,” and offer a compelling testament to the idea that dreams can indeed come true, sometimes when you least expect it and in the most extraordinary ways.
As Rajeev and his family navigate the emotions and decisions following this win, their story remains a touching reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the joy that comes with shared happiness. While the complete allocation of the prize money is yet to be determined, Rajeev’s immediate inclination to share his bounty speaks volumes about his character and the community-centric values he upholds.
This winning tale is sure to inspire many, not only in the UAE and India but globally, as a story of luck, shared joy, and the remarkable journey of an individual who, with unwavering hope and a unique method, turned a simple lottery ticket into a life-altering experience.
