Nobin Mathew, an Indian resident of Kuwait since 2007 was ecstatic to learn he is the winner of the DH fifteen million, KD 1,250,000 (one million two hundred and fifty-one thousand Kuwait Dinars) in the Big Ticket draw held in Abu Dhabi recently, local media reported.
Mathew, 38, works as a supervisor for a spare parts company at a monthly salary of around KD600. Speaking to media, he said the win is huge and would be used for all the right purposes.
Mathew has been living in the Gulf for some time, and his parents previously worked in Oman. “I used to visit Dubai during my summer vacation when we lived in Muscat,” he said to local media in a telephone interview. He never thought about participating in raffle draws but it was at the behest of his colleagues, that Mathew joined them in buying the Big Ticket.
“My colleagues are purchasing tickets for some time now. They forced me to join them. This is only my second time buying a lottery ticket. I didn’t win last month. So, I had told my colleagues that this will be my last attempt,” Mathew said over the phone from Kuwait.
Big Ticket host Richard called up Mathew to inform him he was the lucky winner of the draw, who was thrilled to hear of his win.
Mathew was shocked when the Big Ticket organisers called him. He was working and didn’t watch the live telecast of the draw but immediately realised he had hit the jackpot with his ticket number 254806 bought on October 17. “I didn’t know what to say then. I was lost for words.”
“I have been living in Kuwait since 2007. I have seen a lot of struggle in my life. I have worked at many companies. I am still finding my feet. And now I am blessed with this win,” said Mathew, who works in the auto sector.
After the win, his phone is ringing non-stop with congratulatory wishes from friends and family members. The 38-year-old from Kerala’s Thiruvalla town is undecided on what to do with the money. “I am undecided as I never thought about winning through a lottery. I will make a decision after consulting my family members. I am a down to earth guy. I thank God for the blessings.”
