Sanitation Workers in Kerala Strike Jackpot, Winning $1.2 Million Lottery
In a heartwarming turn of events, a group of 11 women sanitation workers from Kerala, India, hit the jackpot and won a whopping 100 million rupees ($1.2 million) in a lottery. These dedicated women, who collect non-biodegradable waste from households, have been struggling to make ends meet with their meager daily earnings of around 250 rupees. The lottery win has brought them newfound hope and promises to change their lives for the better.
Living in Parappanangadi town in the Malappuram district of Kerala, these courageous women decided to pool their money together to buy a lottery ticket. Aware that their earnings were insufficient to meet their needs, they pursued this opportunity occasionally. Kerala’s government operates a popular lottery program, making it legal within the state, despite its illegality in many other Indian states.
The women, who usually contribute monthly payments from households and occasionally receive a share of the money made by the local corporation from selling the segregated waste they collect, never expected their luck to turn around so dramatically. Previously, they had won smaller prizes, such as a 1,000-rupee reward, which they joyfully shared among themselves. However, this time, they scored big.
72-year-old Kuttimalu initially felt sad about being unable to contribute enough money for the ticket. However, her fellow group member, Cherumannil Baby, came to her aid by lending her half of the required amount. Kuttimalu and Baby each put in 12.5 rupees, while the other nine women paid 25 rupees each. With an agreed-upon understanding that they would share any winnings equally, the group made their purchase for the monsoon bumper prize lottery.
To their astonishment, the women discovered their victory a day after the draw. One of them asked her husband to check the results, and they were delighted with the news. This marked the fourth time the group had purchased a ticket for the bumper prize, and luck finally smiled upon them.
The impact of this lottery win goes beyond monetary gains. Each member of the group has endured personal hardships, and the prize money brings a glimmer of hope for a brighter future. Cherumannil Baby, a 62-year-old whose house was destroyed in the devastating floods of 2018, plans to use the funds to rebuild her life and repay her debts. K Bindu, a 50-year-old widow whose husband passed away due to kidney failure, wishes to support her daughter’s education and secure her a better job.
Similarly, Lakshmi, whose husband struggled to find work as a construction worker due to heavy rains, and Leela, who faced financial challenges and borrowed money for her daughter’s wedding and surgery, can now breathe a sigh of relief. With the winnings, they can tackle their immediate financial burdens and work towards a brighter future for themselves and their families.
After deducting government taxes, the group will receive a total prize of 63 million rupees. Cherumannil Baby and Kuttimalu will each receive 6.3 million rupees, while the other members will also obtain equal shares of 6.3 million rupees. This substantial amount will undoubtedly help them achieve their dreams and provide stability for their households.
Despite the life-changing nature of their win, these remarkable women remain committed to their work. They understand the value of their collective effort and plan to continue their sanitation duties without giving in to complacency. Their unity and determination have brought them not only prosperity but also a renewed sense of purpose.
In conclusion, the story of these sanitation workers in Kerala serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for life-changing events that can bring joy and relief to those who have faced significant challenges. Their resiliency and persistence have paid off, and their lottery win charts a new course, representing hope and endless possibilities for a brighter future.
