Many patrons who have enjoyed drinks at the Nausori Club would likely resonate with this story, particularly if they were served by bartender Rajbahadur Singh. Known affectionately as Ram Singh, the 70-year-old from Buiduna, near Nausori, completed his final shift last month after an impressive 50-year career in bartending.
Given his remarkable tenure, it’s no surprise that Ram is a well-known figure in Nausori. A former student of Sarasawati Secondary School, he grew up in a family of eight siblings and never anticipated dedicating half a century to serving customers their favorite drinks.
Ram began his journey at the Nausori Club on July 30, 1974, at the age of 20, starting as a cleaner. After six months, he transitioned to bartending, where he quickly became accustomed to serving drinks and handling transactions. He recalls, “Customers were very good and kind,” and the upbeat atmosphere made his work experience enjoyable.
Over the decades, Ram’s work hours typically spanned from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., during which he also assisted in food service. This routine remained constant over the years, but he never regretted his decision to join the club.
One of the aspects that kept Ram devoted to his job was the friendly environment of the club and the relationships he formed. He served not only regular patrons but also notable individuals, including government officials, businessmen, and dignitaries like the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
Throughout his long career, Ram emphasized the importance of learning from others and the gradual accumulation of knowledge that enhanced his skills. He identified whiskey and beer as the two most popular drinks he served, usually enjoyed neat.
Ram also credited the effective leadership of the club’s committee, particularly current president Ambika Nand and secretary Uma Kant Patel, for the club’s success. Reflecting on his years at the Nausori Club, he stated, “I’m very proud to have been part of the Nausori Club family. It hurts to leave, but I will still visit occasionally.”
His work inspired Ram to support his extended family over the years, and he expressed that his late mother would have been proud of his achievements.
As he embarks on retirement, Ram plans to start a small garden with help from his neighbors. While he will miss the lively atmosphere of bartending, he looks forward to spending more time with family. “The support of my family at home and here at the club helped me a lot,” he shared, recalling the many great memories he created during his time.
In a rare occurrence, Ram’s story signifies that there are no limits to achieving one’s goals, even in unconventional career paths like bartending, especially at the age of 70.