For most people, winning the lottery is a once-in-a-lifetime event that brings both financial freedom and overwhelming joy. For one humble worker from Kerala, it was exactly that, but without losing his sense of simplicity or gratitude.
Sharath S Nair, a paint shop employee from Thuravoor in Alappuzha district, has become the talk of the town after winning the first prize worth Rs 25 crore in the Kerala Onam Bumper lottery. He purchased the ticket, numbered TH 577825, from Nettoor in Kochi and submitted it at the State Bank of India branch in Thaikkattussery, Thuravoor.
Speaking to Manorama News, Sharath recalled the moment he discovered his win, “I was at work when the results were out. I first notified my brother, and we confirmed the number together. We decided to announce it after submitting the ticket to the bank. Everybody at home is overjoyed. I have not yet planned what to do with the award money.”
He revealed that it was his first time buying an Onam Bumper ticket and luck struck in the biggest way possible. Despite the life-changing win, Sharath chose to return to work the next morning, where his colleagues greeted him with cheers and sweets. The company’s Managing Directors even organised a special felicitation ceremony to celebrate his win.
Reports say he continued using public transport to commute to work and even visited the same lottery shop where he bought the ticket to personally thank the agent, Latheesh.
When asked about his plans, Sharath said he intends to consult a financial professional before making any decisions. “I don’t have any immediate plans to quit my job,” he said.