Rajan P V will step into 2026 as a millionaire, a reality he never dreamt of. The 52-year-old Indian expatriate, residing in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, for thirty years, clinched the Dh25 million Big Ticket grand prize for November. Astonishingly, the winning ticket was a free promotional one he received after purchasing two tickets with his group. “It was an unexpected gift after buying two tickets,” Rajan remarked.
Originally from Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, Rajan is a control supervisor on oil rigs. For the past 13 years, he and 15 colleagues have entered the Big Ticket draw monthly. Each member contributes Dh63, and frequent promotions often reward them with extra tickets. “I’ve invested around Dh10,000 in these draws. Collectively, our group has spent about Dh160,000. We saw it as an investment,” he explained.
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On December 3, while Rajan was out with his family, friends watching the live draw called him. “They exclaimed, ‘We won!’ I thought it was a prank,” he recounted. “But when Richard called, I realized it was true, and it felt surreal.”
Upon reaching home, Rajan received the fortuitous call. “I opened the door as the call came; it was surreal,” he shared.
His colleagues were equally stunned. “When I informed the group, disbelief reigned. Silence followed as everyone processed the shock,” Rajan said.
Rajan plans to share the prize equally among the 16 group members. “This victory is for all of us. We intend to donate part of our share to charity,” he stated.
A father of two, Rajan intends to use his share wisely. “My main focus is my children’s education,” he mentioned. His children are studying in Kerala, and he hopes this win secures their future. “I have no other plans; my children are my priority.”
Throughout the years, Rajan closely followed Big Ticket draws, hearing many winners’ tales. “We always hoped our day would come. Perseverance paid off,” he reflected.
After over a decade of effort, the dream is realized just in time for the new year. “It feels like a blessing to enter the new year as a millionaire. It’s still unbelievable,” Rajan expressed.
