Indian Mother Wins Dh100K Big Ticket to Support Son’s Education
<p>For 17 years, <strong>Vineetha Shibu Kumar</strong> has built a life in the UAE, balancing her career as a behaviour therapist in Sharjah with the demanding role of being a full-time caregiver to her son. Behind her calm smile, however, lies a daily battle against fear and uncertainty—her teenage son’s struggle with epilepsy.</p><p>Now, after years of hardship and sacrifice, Vineetha’s tearful wish has been granted. Through the <strong>Dear Big Ticket initiative</strong>, she has won <strong>Dh100,000</strong>—a lifeline that will help her son take his first step toward pursuing his dream of becoming a criminologist.</p><h3>A Mother’s Silent Struggle</h3><p>For Vineetha and her husband, every seizure their son suffers feels like time stolen. “Each attack takes away his independence and limits his chances of enjoying the simple experiences other children his age take for granted,” she said. Her son, now in <strong>Grade 12</strong>, requires round-the-clock care.</p><p>Though medication helps, seizures remain unpredictable, making it impossible for the family to consider sending him abroad for higher studies or even leaving him in a hostel. “We thought of sending him back to India for higher education, but we can’t. Someone must always be with him. Even if we send him to our parents, they will panic when he has an attack. We need to handle him like a small child,” Vineetha explained, her voice breaking with the weight of years spent in constant vigilance.</p><h3>A Dream Interrupted</h3><p>Despite his condition, her son has never stopped dreaming. He wants to study <strong>psychology with criminology</strong>, with the goal of becoming a criminologist. However, the family’s financial reality made this seem like an impossible goal. “We checked with universities here, but the fees are too high. We couldn’t afford it,” Vineetha said.</p><p>For the family, the tension was constant: how to provide their son with the future he deserved while also meeting the demands of his health needs.</p><h3>A Chance Discovery</h3><p>It was Vineetha’s husband who stumbled upon the <strong>Dear Big Ticket initiative</strong>, which allows participants to apply for special categories such as <strong>Educational Support</strong>. He urged her to share their story, even though Vineetha admits she had little expectation of being selected.</p><p>With nothing but hope and a mother’s love, she submitted her plea. Weeks later, her prayers were answered.</p><h3>A Ray of Hope</h3><p>The Big Ticket team was moved by Vineetha’s heartfelt story. During the live announcement, hosts <strong>Richard and Bouchra</strong> shared the good news: Vineetha had been chosen as one of the winners and awarded <strong>Dh100,000</strong> to support her son’s higher education.</p><p>Overwhelmed with gratitude, Vineetha struggled to find words. “I feel blessed. Thank you so much. I don’t know what to say. I thank each and everyone who voted for me and made my wish come true,” she said, her eyes welling with tears.</p><h3>Community Spirit</h3><p>Her story touched thousands who heard it—serving as a reminder of the struggles many families quietly endure and the power of community-driven initiatives. While lotteries and raffles are often associated with sudden wealth and luxury, Vineetha’s win highlights the human side: how a prize can bring relief to a family and open doors to a better future.</p><p>For Vineetha, the victory isn’t about the money itself, but what it represents. It’s about giving her son the chance to study, to dream, and to chase a career that once seemed out of reach.</p><h3>Looking Ahead</h3><p>While the family knows challenges lie ahead, the win has brought them fresh courage. With financial support now easing part of the burden, Vineetha can focus on helping her son prepare for university life while continuing to manage his medical needs.</p><p>“Every parent dreams of seeing their child succeed. For us, it has always been about making sure he has the right opportunities despite his condition,” she said.</p><h3>More Than Just Luck</h3><p>Big Ticket has long been known for its multi-million-dirham raffles and luxury car giveaways, but the <strong>Dear Big Ticket initiative</strong> stands apart as a platform dedicated to uplifting families in need. Stories like Vineetha’s demonstrate its impact beyond numbers, giving winners not just money, but hope, dignity, and the reassurance that they are not alone.</p><p>For Vineetha, winning Dh100,000 is more than a financial windfall. It’s the fulfillment of a wish whispered in countless sleepless nights and the beginning of a new chapter for her son’s future.</p><p>As she put it simply: “It’s not just money—it’s a blessing.”</p>