The Farmer Who Won ₹6 Crores Twice

A Life of Toil and Unexpected Fortune

Ramesh, a 52-year-old farmer from Tamil Nadu, spent decades cultivating rice on a small plot. His life changed in 2019 when he purchased a ₹100 lottery ticket on a whim—and won ₹6 crores. Overnight, he became the wealthiest person in his village.

Instead of relocating to the city, Ramesh invested ₹3 crores in farmland. “The soil is my identity,” he told reporters. He purchased modern irrigation systems and hired laborers, boosting local employment. His remaining funds went into fixed deposits, ensuring long-term stability for his family.

Fate Strikes Again: Buried Treasure

In 2021, while plowing his new field, Ramesh’s tractor hit a metal box buried 10 feet underground. Inside were 17 gold coins, a diamond-studded necklace, and copper plates inscribed in Tamil Brahmi script. Archaeologists dated the artifacts to the 16th-century Vijayanagara Empire, valuing the hoard at ₹8 crores.

The discovery sparked a media frenzy. Auction houses and collectors flooded Ramesh with offers, but he donated the artifacts to the Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department. “This treasure belongs to our history, not my bank account,” he declared.

Building a Legacy of Generosity

Ramesh used his wealth to transform his village. He funded a primary school with free meals, a clinic staffed by doctors from Chennai, and solar-powered streetlights. He also established microloans for farmers, charging 0% interest. “Prosperity means nothing if others suffer,” he said at the school’s inauguration.

His story inspired the Tamil Nadu government to launch “Project Varuma” (Prosperity), a statewide lottery where 10% of proceeds fund rural infrastructure.

The Philosophy of Groundedness

Ramesh’s humility baffled many. When asked why he still farms, he laughed, “Money didn’t teach me perseverance—the fields did.” His life embodies a lesson often forgotten: success is sustainable only when shared.

Key Takeaway: Luck amplifies character. Ramesh’s choices remind us that true wealth lies in uplifting communities, not accumulating riches.