IF I WON THE FIRST PRIZE IN A LOTTERY

Ever since the government has introduced lotteries, the common man has a chance, however remote, to win the first prize and an excuse, however flimsy, to dream for becoming suddenly rich. What would I do if I won the first prize, say of one crore rupees in a state lottery?

What a man would do with such a large sum of money depends on his character, attitude to life, ambitions and aspirations. His character is reflected not only in what he does but also in what he wants to do.

I would at the least hoard my money or make it multiply by depositing it in a bank or investing it profitably. I would utilise it for my further improvement in the first place.

I would act according to the wise proverbs—‘Charity begins at home’ and ‘Self-help is the best help”. I would set apart two million rupees for my education and improvement of career as I would be able to lead a good life then. I have set my heart on becoming a doctor. Monetary difficulties would no longer thwart my desire. After obtaining a degree in medicine from a good medical college in India, I would go abroad for further education. I am of the view that education in foreign countries is not much higher than that is available in Indian colleges; however, since foreign degrees continue to be regarded with awe and envy in India, why should I forgo it when I could afford it? Moreover, it would broaden my outlook and enrich my experience by visiting different countries and observing their cultures.

On my return to India, I would spend five million rupees in having a nice big house and a clinic. Don't think that I would open the clinic for charity, but I would make sure that the poor too get treatment at a less cost.

Not that I would do things only for myself and remain indifferent to others. I would distribute two million rupees among the members of my family, near relatives and intimate friends. Unless I shared my good fortune with my kith and kin, I would feel a sense of guilt.

I would invest the remaining one million rupees on charity. I have my own thoughts on charity. I would not offer donations to educational or humanitarian institutions. I would establish a trust which would assist promising individuals—students, writers, artists and scientists who, handicapped by poverty, are struggling to achieve recognition in their chosen spheres. Once such individuals achieve success, praise and help are showered on them, otherwise nobody cares for them during their period of trials and tribulations. If I had the means, I would help such people.

Thus, you can see, I would have spent the whole amount of lottery, but I would have armed myself with a good education, which would stand me in good stead.