INDIA, July 27: In a remarkable turn of events, Raju Gond, a debt-ridden laborer from central India, has had his life transformed after discovering a 19.22-carat diamond valued at nearly $100,000. The 40-year-old, who typically earns about $4 a day working various jobs including field labor, diamond mining, and tractor driving in Madhya Pradesh, made this extraordinary find on Wednesday.

Gond and his younger brother Rakesh had been paying $9.50 daily to search for gold on a 64-square-meter plot of government land when the discovery was made. Upon finding the diamond, Gond described his excitement as he cleaned the stone, noting its brilliant shine. “It shone spectacularly; I knew it was a diamond right then!” Gond told CNN from his home in Panna district.

The brothers rushed home on their bike, covered 7 miles (11 kilometers) from the mine, and shared the news with their family before heading to the local Panna Diamond Office for an evaluation. Anupam Singh, the official diamond examiner, confirmed the diamond’s weight and value, estimating it at approximately $95,500.

Panna is renowned for its diamond reserves, with notable finds including a 54.55-carat diamond in 1961 and a 42-carat diamond in 2018. Singh noted that smaller diamonds have also been discovered earlier this year.

Gond, who had been struggling financially due to limited work opportunities from recent monsoons, described the find as a life-changing event. He explained that the family had invested $9.50 to search for diamonds on government land and would have the opportunity to search again after submitting the required documentation.

The government leases shallow mines to families under local supervision, collecting an 11.5% royalty and a small tax on any finds. The remaining amount goes to the finder. Singh mentioned that the diamond office would hold an auction once its inventory’s value exceeded $360,000, with Gond’s payout to follow.

Gond has opened a bank account and plans to use the funds to repay $6,000 in debt, invest in his children’s education, build homes, purchase land, and possibly buy a tractor. He expressed hope for a brighter future, saying, “Our lives have changed forever.”

Gond’s family, including his parents, wife, seven children, and the families of his younger brother and sister, will benefit from this newfound fortune. Reflecting on his childhood, Gond recalled stories of people whose fortunes changed with diamond finds, and now he has his own tale to tell. Despite the windfall, Gond and Rakesh were back at the mine on Friday, hopeful for more discoveries. “We woke up early and got out again,” Gond said. “We are already in the shallow mine. We will find more diamonds!”