Many patrons at the Nausori Club are familiar with the story of bartender Rajbahadur Singh, affectionately known as Ram Singh. At the age of 70, this longtime resident of Buiduna, located near Nausori, served his final drink last month after a remarkable 50-year bartending career.
Given such a significant achievement, it’s no surprise that he has become a well-known figure in the township of Nausori. Ram, a former student of Sarasawati Secondary School, grew up in a family of eight siblings and never anticipated dedicating five decades to serving drinks.
Ram began his journey at the Nausori Club on July 30, 1974, starting as a cleaner at the age of 20. After six months, he transitioned to the bar, where he served drinks and handled customer transactions. He recalls, “Customers were very good and kind.” The welcoming atmosphere and camaraderie with customers made his work enjoyable, contributing to his long tenure.
Over the years, he maintained a routine that had him working from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., during which he also assisted in serving food. Despite the demanding hours, he never regretted his choice of profession. Ram’s days typically began at 9 a.m. and ended late at night, a common schedule for bartenders.
The friendly environment at the club and the relationships he built with various patrons, including government officials, business leaders, and notable figures like the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, enhanced his experience. He expressed, “I’ve learned many things from those I worked with and served.” He emphasized that gaining knowledge over time contributed to his professional growth.
After five decades in the industry, Ram Singh is now stepping away from bartending. He shared that two of the most requested drinks he served were whiskey and beer, typically enjoyed neat.
He credited the successful management of the club’s committee members, particularly current president Ambika Nand and secretary Uma Kant Patel, as a key element to his positive experience at Nausori Club. “Mr. Nand’s leadership resulted in many prosperous ventures,” he noted.
As he retires, Ram expressed pride in being part of the Nausori Club family. Although it’s difficult to leave, he plans to visit occasionally. His long career allowed him to support his extended family, and he reflected that his late mother would have been proud of his retirement.
Looking ahead, Ram intends to cultivate a small garden at home with help from his neighbors. While he will miss the lively atmosphere of the bar, he looks forward to spending more time with his family.
“Enjoying work is largely about the environment you’re in,” he advised. “So try to have fun wherever you work but make sure you’re doing the right thing.”
Ram Singh’s story serves as a reminder that there are no limits to achieving one’s goals, even at 70 years old.