Ajman principal wins $1 million on same day her school scored 100% pass rate

Dubai - Her winning ticket number 0297 was picked at the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Series draw held at the Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport.

It was a double delight for Indian school principal Malathi Das that her $1 million jackpot win at the Dubai Duty Free on Wednesday overlapped with her schools' 100 per cent pass in CBSE Grade 10 results announced on the same day.
"There is no bigger win for a school principal than seeing her students pass with flying colours. The fact that I won the raffle on the same day only adds to my joy," Das, principal of Global Indian School in Ajman, told Khaleej Times.
Her winning ticket number 0297 was picked at the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Series draw held at the Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport on Wednesday, July 15.
"It is unbelievable. But I am thrilled that I can use this money to fulfill my long-pending dream of upgrading my school and giving my students the best facilities," said Das, who is the principal of the school for last 32 years.
She said there is still much work to be done after her school moved to a new campus recently, and she wants to use part of the raffle money to build a play area for children, upgrade the library, lab and other facilities.
"This school has been my life and I want to help many deserving students who are financially struggling. I also want to reach out and support many of my relatives in India who are not doing so well in life," said Das, who has three grown-up children. Her husband passed away many years ago.
She said the entire school, including her seven-year-old granddaughter Nikita who is studying in the same school, is super-thrilled.
A regular buyer of the Dubai Duty Free raffle, Das said God has finally rewarded her for all the hard work.
"I brought up my children on my own as a single mother and it was not easy. I am glad that lady luck finally smiled at me after my children are well-settled. Now, I can use the money to help my other children in school," said Das.
anjana@khaleejtimes.com 

• Ajman