UAE Lottery's Dh30 million winner left India at 18, helped marry off six sisters

Sunil Kumar Sadasivan, a 52-year-old maintenance technician from Kerala, India, has become the second Grand Prize winner of the UAE Lottery, securing Dh30 million. His win marks a significant new chapter, but his life story is already one defined by profound selflessness and dedication to his family.

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I left India at 18 with nothing but hope.

At the young age of 18, Sadasivan left his home in India with little more than hope. He spent his formative years ensuring his six sisters were married and financially stable before considering his own aspirations. This commitment to his family's well-being preceded his own marriage in 2006 and subsequent move to the UAE in search of better opportunities.

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Most of my younger years were spent making sure my six sisters were married and settled.

Life presented further challenges, including a 12-year struggle with his wife to have a child, during which they underwent numerous fertility treatments and depleted much of their savings. Their perseverance eventually led to the birth of their daughter, a moment Sadasivan describes as bringing immense happiness and teaching him the value of unwavering hope.

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I am grateful that the UAE gave me opportunities.

Sadasivan, who has worked in the UAE for years, expressed gratitude for the opportunities the country provided. He views his lottery win not just as a financial windfall, but as a means to reclaim something more valuable: time. He plans to use the prize money to complete his family home, dedicate more time to his wife and daughter, and fulfill a long-held desire to help underprivileged children and those in need, potentially through a small business upon his return to India.

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Without question, it was the toughest period of our lives.