Arun Singh’s lifelong passion for reading led to the establishment of the Premier Book Centre, a cherished bookstore in Ba, Fiji. At the age of 82, Singh fondly recalls how his journey began in his youth, influenced by his brother’s connection with the Fiji Football Association and their visits to a local bookstore where they spent afternoons engrossed in books.
The Premier Book Centre opened its doors on August 15, 1964, when Singh was just 21 years old. His early experiences working at the Ba Book Centre shaped his understanding of the importance of access to literature, particularly after his father’s medical absence required him to support his family.
Over the decades, Singh’s bookstore has been a vital resource for schools across Fiji, initially sourcing books from a Methodist bookshop in Suva. As demand for educational materials grew, Singh traveled to New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and Singapore to acquire literature that would benefit local students, helping to shape the academic landscape in Fiji.
Singh has also advocated for the inclusion of Hindi in education, providing Hindi books free of charge to schools to promote language learning among younger generations. Despite grappling with challenges from changing societal habits and technology, which have impacted reading among children today, he remains committed to fostering a love for literature.
His dedication extends beyond business; he expresses a heartfelt desire for education standards to improve, especially advocating against automatic promotion policies in schools, which he believes hinder educational quality.
Singh’s unwavering enthusiasm for reading and education is a testament to his belief in knowledge as a lifelong pursuit. As he reflects on his legacy, he hopes to inspire future generations to value reading. “I will retire when I leave this earth,” he declares, emphasizing that his bookstore is not just a business, but a reflection of his life’s commitment to literature and learning.
Through Singh’s story, it becomes clear that the love for books can spark change and inspire the future, reinforcing the vital role of education in shaping societies.
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