THE Dayaram family had the first radio in Taveuni. It became a window to the world for the Dayaram family and the people of Taveuni during a time when communication was limited.
Meridian Store managing director Champak Lal Dayaram said his forefathers witnessed many historic moments on the island, including the arrival of the first radio.
The radio allowed for the family to hear major events happening thousands of kilometres away, including India’s independence from British rule in 1947.
“Our forefathers witnessed the arrival of the first radio in Taveuni,” he said.
“It connected people here with what was happening around the world.”
For the Indian community on the island, hearing news from India was a significant moment.
After years of British colonial rule, India gained independence on August 15, 1947.
The radio brought the celebration and emotion of that historic occasion closer to families living far away from their homeland.
Mr Dayaram said the Meridian Store was not only a place of business but also a place where people gathered, shared stories and experienced new developments.
Over the years, the family witnessed the arrival of new technology, including telephones, generators and other forms of communication.
“During the 100 years of our journey in Taveuni, our forefathers witnessed many historic moments,” he said.
The arrival of the radio marked a major change for the island.
It allowed people to hear voices and news from beyond Taveuni’s shores at a time when travel and communication were difficult.
For the Dayaram family, preserving these memories is part of honouring the generations who built the foundation of the Meridian Store.
The radio was more than a piece of equipment.
It was a connection between Taveuni and the wider world.
