Driver becomes 121st Indian millionaire
Venugopalan, who has worked in Dubai for 30 years, plans to leave and start business in Kerala
Acompany driver in Dubai yesterday became a dollar-millionaire in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire promotion.
Kaplenghat Velu Venugopalan, an Indian expat, became the 252nd millionaire of the promotion (in Series 252) when his winning ticket (No. 3073) was drawn at Concourse B of Dubai International Airport on Tuesday.
He is the 121st Indian winner of the promotion. Venugopalan had bought his third ticket to Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire when flying to Kerala for his annual vacation.
Venugopalan said: “I’m happy to have been living and working in Dubai for the last 30 years, and I thank my luck for winning $1 million [Dh3.67 million] with Dubai Duty Free. I think it’s time for me to retire and go back to my hometown in Kerala and start a small business.”
He added: “I also want to help the less fortunate and share some of my winnings to charities, especially those in need of financial help and medical support.”
Following the Millennium Millionaire draw, Dubai Duty Free presented a $1 million (Dh3.67 million) cheque to Bronvin S Muns, an Indian expat in Dubai who won in Series 249 with ticket No. 3484 in August.
She said: “I’m excited to be here today for such a wonderful occasion. Winning $1 million is an unforgettable experience, which will change our lives. We are grateful to Dubai Duty Free for such amazing promotions and will continue buying tickets in the hope of making it secondtime lucky.”
Meanwhile, three more winners were announced in Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Promotion, each one winning a luxury vehicle.
Michael Botros, a 32-yearold Australian expat in Dubai, won a Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe in Series 1664 with ticket no. 0706.
Speaking from Kuwait, Botros, who works as a manager for Ernst & Young, said: “I’m thrilled to have won a luxury car with my first ever ticket in the Dubai Duty Free promotion and I thank the Dubai Duty Free team for making my day a very memorable one!”
Ajit Kumar, a Dubai-based Indian national, won a Jaguar F Type Coupe V8 in Series 1663 with ticket No. 0423, while Suresh Kutharambath Sakumaran Nair, also an Indian expat, won a BMW R 1200 GS motorbike in Series 314 with ticket No. 0259. Both winners were unavailable for comment.