Nagendrum Borugadda, a 46-year-old electrician originally from Andhra Pradesh, India, has won Dh1 million in a National Bonds draw after consistently saving Dh100 each month since 2019. According to a report by Khaleej Times on Tuesday, Borugadda achieved this through years of diligent saving and prudent investments.

As reported by Economic Times, Borugadda, who has been residing in the UAE since 2017, started saving AED 100 monthly through direct debit with National Bonds, a local financial institution known for its savings schemes. “I came to the UAE to build a better life for my family and provide good education to my children. This win feels surreal,” Borugadda shared with Khaleej Times, expressing his disbelief and gratitude.

In a related story, earlier in May, Payal, a woman from Punjab, India, won a $1 million prize at the Dubai Duty-Free Millennium draw. Payal, the fortunate winner, purchased ticket number 3337 online on May 3rd, using money gifted by her husband, Harnek Singh, on their 16th wedding anniversary. 

“The money I used to buy the winning ticket came from my husband, who gave me Dh1,000 on our 16th wedding anniversary on April 20. I decided to purchase a DDF ticket online with this money, specifically choosing one with the most number 3s in it,” Payal said.

This win marks the 229th instance of an Indian claiming a prize in the monthly draw. Payal, who has been purchasing Dubai Duty-Free tickets for the past 12 years, usually alternates the names on the tickets between hers, her husband’s, and their children’s whenever they travel.

“We live in Punjab with our 14-year-old twin boys. When the DDF organizers called me, I couldn’t believe it at first. I immediately called my husband to share the news. We were both overjoyed, and tears of happiness rolled down my cheeks as I spoke to him. We haven’t told our children yet; we plan to share the news with them this afternoon when we pick them up from school,” she added.