AT just 17 years of age, Ambaram Dayaram married 15-year-old Narbada Ben Jinabhai Lakhaman in Navsari, India, on April 23, 1936.
The marriage marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually bring the young couple to Fiji and call Taveuni their home.
From the articles you read earlier you may have known that Mr Dayaram left India early and later joined by his wife.
They then would build a business legacy that would become part of Taveuni’s history.
Meridian Store managing director Champak Lal Dayaram said despite being married at a young age Dayaram had a vision.
“He was a young man with a strong determination to create a better future.
“Coming back to Fiji was not just about business. It was about building a life, supporting the community and creating opportunities for the generations that followed.”
Born in 1919, Mr Dayaram became one of Taveuni’s pioneering entrepreneurs after establishing Meridian Store, a business that would serve island communities for generations.
The store grew from a small trading operation into a trusted name on the island, providing essential goods and becoming a central part of everyday life in Taveuni.
“Meridian Store was never only a shop. It was a place where people met, shared stories and built relationships,” the family spokesperson said.
“Customers became friends and many families have a connection with the store that goes back decades.”
Mr Dayaram’s entrepreneurial vision extended beyond retail.
Historical family records show that he established Meridian Store, Meridian Cinema, while also setting up the South Pacific Coir Coconut Fiber Factory.
His ventures created employment opportunities and contributed to the economic development of Taveuni at a time when the island was undergoing major changes.
“He believed that development came through hard work, commitment and giving back to the community.”
The Dayaram family’s connection with Taveuni continued to grow over the years.
Their second child, Subhash Chandra Dayaram, was born at Waiyevo Hospital on December 18, 1947.
Through Meridian Store and his other businesses, Mr Dayaram became part of the social and economic fabric of Taveuni.
Long before television became common in rural Fiji, his cinemas provided entertainment and brought communities together.
“For many people in Taveuni, going to the cinema was a special occasion. It created memories that people still talk about today.”
Mr Dayaram passed away in 2003, leaving behind a legacy built on entrepreneurship, community service and dedication.
Today, as Meridian Store prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary, the story of Ambaram Dayaram continues to inspire.
“He started with very little, but through determination and vision, he built something that has lasted for generations.
Mr Dayaram said his greatest achievement was not only the businesses he created, but the people and communities he touched along the way.
