An Indian school watchman from Kerala has won a Dh100,000 jackpot in the latest Big Ticket draw in the UAE. Saidalavi Kariodan Varichalil, 44, has lived in the UAE for 17 years and has been participating in the lottery with friends for the past four years.
According to a report by Gulf News, Saidalavi won the prize in Big Ticket's Series 289 after his winning ticket was randomly selected by his friend Anub. The selection came as an unexpected surprise to both friends.
Kerala expat plans to send prize money to family
Saidalavi works as a school watchman and was introduced to Big Ticket by his friends. He has been purchasing tickets every month as part of a group.
Following his win, Saidalavi said he plans to send his share of the prize money to his family in India. Despite winning Dh100,000, he has already purchased another ticket for the upcoming draw.
"Keep hoping! Your day will come," he said in a message to other Big Ticket participants.
Two more Kerala expats win Dh100,000
Saidalavi was among five winners in Series 289, with each recipient receiving Dh100,000. Two other winners, Akhil Chandran R P and Sarath Sasidharan, are also from Kerala. Bangladeshi nationals Arifuzzaman Shuvo and Sabuj Md Delowar Munshi were the other two winners.
The five winners collectively received Dh500,000.
According to a report by Khaleej Times, 28-year-old Akhil Chandran R P, who is from Kerala, also won Dh100,000 in the same draw. He works in sales and customer service and has lived in the UAE for five years.
Akhil has participated in Big Ticket with friends for seven years. His winning ticket was also randomly selected by a friend.
He said he plans to save the prize money and has decided to purchase another ticket for the next draw.
"Always buy a ticket, you don't know when your luck will come. One day you will also get lucky like us," he said, according to the report.
Technician plans to use winnings for health
Another winner, 33-year-old Sarath Sasidharan, is a technician originally from Kerala who has lived in the UAE since 2007. His colleagues introduced him to Big Ticket, and he has taken part in the draws both individually and through groups.
Sarath's winning ticket was selected by his mother and daughters. He plans to use the prize money towards his health while continuing to participate in future draws.
"Thank God and keep trying," he said.
Series 289 had five Dh100,000 winners in total. Three of them were Kerala-based Indian expats, while the other two were Bangladeshi nationals.
