Rs 40 crore windfall for UAE-based Indian taxi driver and his 9 friends


By Joy Chakravarty

Dubai, Jul 4 (IANS): Each year, thousands of people from the Indian subcontinent head over to Dubai in search of better opportunities and lifestyle. Some lucky ones, like Renjith Somarajan and his friends, actually do strike gold in the 'City of Gold'.

The 37-year-old Somarajan came to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2008 from Kollam district in Kerala. He started his Gulf career as a taxi driver, and after 13 years of hard work, is on the verge of joining a new job in a private company with a monthly salary of 3,500 dirhams (Rs 71,200).

Life has not been a bed of roses for the father of one, but on Saturday, Lady Luck decided to smile on Somarajan and nine of his friends.

The Indian had crowd-funded and brought an Abu Dhabi Big Ticket, a monthly raffle held by Abu Dhabi International Airport, along with nine friends hailing from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

When ticket number 349886, purchased at a price of 500 dirhams (Rs 10,160) was drawn, the group became richer by a whopping 20 million dirhams (Rs 40.64 crore).

Somarajan, who has been purchasing tickets for the past three years, said he heard the announcement live just as he was passing a mosque along with his wife and son.

He told Khaleej Times: "I have worked as a driver with Dubai Taxi and different companies. Last year, I worked as driver-cum-salesman in a company, but it was a difficult life. My wife works at a hotel.

"I used to buy tickets with the aim of improving my quality of life. I always wanted to start my own business. I will consult my family and make a decision (on how to spend the money)."

The amount will be shared, meaning each person gets 2 million dirhams (Rs 4.06 crore).

Not bad for an initial investment of 100 dirhams each (Rs 2,032).

The 3-for-2 Big Ticket offer meant they could purchase three tickets for the 1,000 dirhams pooled.

Somarajan added: "We are a total of 10 people. Others work in the valet parking of a hotel. We took the ticket under the abuy two and get one free' offer. The ticket was taken in my name on June 29.

"All I can tell others is to continue trying your luck. I was always sure that my lucky day would come. I was always sure the almighty would bless me one day."

Another Indian, Rence Mathew, won the second prize of 3 million dirhams (Rs 6.09 crore) with ticket No: 355820.

 

  

Top Stories

Comment on this article

  • sense_Shetty, Mical,Mangalore,Kudla,Kodial,Mangalapura,Manjarun

    Mon, Jul 05 2021

    COngratulation on winning this deluge of money ... Honestly for me these kind of lotteries are reflecting on the white corruption that has impacted humans on this planet . These gulf countries should address Labor issues that ill treat large number of Indian semi skilled and unskilled workers ..Today the majority of building that were erected in record times is a testimony to the hard work of laborers from all over the world ..majority being from India. They were made to sweat and toil with poor infrastructure provided to them .. MAde to sleep one above the other in shanty Labor camps etc .. Hopefully the rulers there will make laws to prevent labor exploitation. Rest This is a gimmick for the ever dreaming Indian of a s so called "Good life". My request to Indians is Not to go to These gulf countries unless you are paid well .. Make sure of the employer and his credentials before going there .. Do no take blind decisions .. IF you feel embarrased to take up low level jobs at your home town in India ,Please migrate to other areas within India ..There is real labor shortage in India and in many areas you earn really well.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kavitha Poojari, Mangalore

    Mon, Jul 05 2021

    Finally UAE Give you ache dhin after waiting from 2008

    DisAgree [4] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Manglore

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    since 2018 me & my 9 friends testing our luck. hopefully one day it will come true.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bharath Raj, Mangalore

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    Congratulations guys success stories make you glad but read sad stories it gives you a lesson. Good luck. Keep believing

    DisAgree [3] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    Congratulations to the winners.Only wish to know how many times they had bought tickets and spent on it.Other side sure now it will help him if he invest it thoughtfully and simply not indulging in drinking and make celebrations.Our grand parents used to say about win in lotterie,money comes as a big flood ,brings lot of sand and mud ,but when it goes ,takes everything what you had.So have to be careful with money .whether a small or big amount,have to be careful.Some come and ask loan ,many simply delay or dont give back ,he has money why give back etc.specially sometimes own relations will be difficult to ask back.when ask ,they are not amused.starts problem.so between friends or relatives is difficult to say no.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Manohar, Udupi

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    Probably "ache din" happens if Indians go out of the country.......

    DisAgree [10] Agree [47] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shankar, Mangaluru

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    UAE makes a few millionaires every year. But as per reports on a leading newspaper website from UAE, 90% of them spend everything and are back to square one after 2 -3 years!! Easy money is very slippery!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [42] Reply Report Abuse

  • Althaf, Udupi/Kaup

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    Perfect example of Sabka sath sabka vikas. Everyone contributed to buy the ticket irrespective of caste and religion and the result is awesome.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [59] Reply Report Abuse

  • RonRon, Udupi

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    Now these guy should manage money properly or money will disappear in no time. They need to learn another art, how to say no....to the people who seek loan

    DisAgree [1] Agree [59] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr.S.Kamath, Mumbai

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    Why say no if the amount is small and the person asking money is a close friend or relative .He must give if he can afford .Because investment in Relationship also is a golden investment .Because they will work for the person who gave loans

    DisAgree [40] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajan, Mangalore

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    Neither a borrower nor a lender be .. for loan oft loses both itself and friend ........... ...WS ..

    DisAgree [3] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • saquib, byndoor

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    jab Uparwala deta hai to chappad phaad k deta hai goodluck bro

    DisAgree [1] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • Abdul, Vidya Nagar, Kasaragod.

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    Mallu bhai, proud of you.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Udupi

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    Lucky Chap, enjoy with ur family.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Babu, Kasargod

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    Not to encourage such raffle tickets. How much people might lost there hard earned money in bargain.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse

  • Cynthia, Dk

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    Should not encourage yes....Babu....but, now see ten people won in the lottery and their life begun...Lets congratulate them on their victory. If you get ..dont firget to transfer one part into my name...please

    DisAgree [6] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • J.F.D SOUZA, Attavar, Mangalore

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    One mans food is another mans poison. What to do. Its called luck

    DisAgree Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • JOHN BAPTIST DSOUZA, DOHA QATAR

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    I LIKE IT

    DisAgree [1] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Nallasopara

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    Acche Din have started for him ...

    DisAgree [3] Agree [47] Reply Report Abuse

  • Subhash Chandra, Mangalore

    Sun, Jul 04 2021

    @jossey Golden Words !

    DisAgree [2] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse


Leave a Comment

Title: Rs 40 crore windfall for UAE-based Indian taxi driver and his 9 friends



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.