WHEN Dayaram Fakir passed away in 1952, the future of the Meridian Store depended on the strength and determination of his family.
The responsibility of keeping the business running fell on his wife, Narbada Ben Fakir, who became known as the iron lady for the way she carried the family through one of its most difficult periods.
For Narbada Ben, it was not only about running a shop.
She had to look after her children, manage the household and ensure that the business her husband built continued to serve the people of Wairiki, Taveuni.
The master of ceremony of the store’s 100th anniversary Larry Thomas said Ms Ben played an important role after her husband’s passing.
“After Dayaram’s death, the burden of running the household and business and caring for nine children fell on Narbada Ben,” he said.
“She was known as the Iron Lady.”
Dayaram Fakir established the business in 1926 after arriving in Taveuni from Gujarat, India.
The small shop, which started as Dayaram Fakir Tailors, Drapers and Grocers, later became the Meridian Store.
Over the years, Dayaram and Narbada Ben built a family of nine children.
Their eldest daughter was born in India, while the other children were born in Fiji.
The family’s life was centred around the business.
The store provided for the family, but it also became a place where the children learned the importance of hard work and responsibility.
However, the family faced a major setback when Dayaram passed away in 1952.
Suddenly, Narbada Ben had to carry the responsibility of the business and the future of her children.
“She managed the home, the store, the finances and the community needs.
“It was her resilience that kept the business going through decades of hardship.”
At a time when business operations were not easy, Narbada Ben worked tirelessly to ensure customers continued receiving the goods they depended on.
The Meridian Store supplied essential items to the community, including groceries, clothing and other daily necessities.
Her strength helped protect the legacy that Dayaram had started.
As the children grew older, they also became part of the business.
The store became a family workplace where everyone played a role.
Following his father’s death, Ambaram Dayaram became the custodian of the Meridian Store.
He continued expanding the business by strengthening supply routes, trading copra, serving the Catholic missions in Wairiki and providing goods to families across Taveuni.
“He became a trusted figure in the community and continued the legacy of what his father began.”
The values passed down by Narbada Ben continued through the next generations.
The children of Ambaram and Narbada later moved to different parts of the world in search of opportunities.
Today, members of the family live in India, England, Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
But Taveuni remains their home.
He said returning to Wairiki was about remembering the sacrifices made by their parents and grandparents.
“Success is when you can return home from whichever part of the world you are to come celebrate the legacy of your grandfather and parents,” he said.
The Meridian Store centenary celebration became a reunion of the Fakir family, with members travelling from different countries to honour the journey of their ancestors.
For the family, it was a moment to remember the woman who kept everything together after losing her husband.
Narbada Ben was not only the wife of the founder.
She was the person who carried the business forward when it needed her most.
Her determination ensured that the dream started by Dayaram Fakir continued for another generation.
100 years later, her contribution remains an important part of the Meridian Store story.
