The Wagh Bakri Tea group mourns the passing of Executive Director Parag Desai, a visionary leader known for his expertise in tea and dedication to the brand, who has sadly left us at the age of 49. This heart-wrenching turn of events has left the entire tea industry in deep sorrow.
The tragedy unfolded on October 15 when Desai, outside his residence in Ahmedabad, was attacked by street dogs while attempting to escape. The vicious encounter led to a severe brain haemorrhage. A vigilant security guard immediately alerted Desai’s family, and he was rushed to Shelby Hospital for initial treatment. After a day of observation, he was transferred to Zydus Hospital for surgery. Tragically, despite a valiant fight for seven days while on a ventilator, Parag Desai succumbed to his injuries on October 22, according to reports from The Times of India.
Desai, the son of Rasesh Desai, the Managing Director of the Wagh Bakri Tea Group, had been a driving force within the company for over three decades. His leadership extended to the sales, marketing, and export departments, contributing to the company’s impressive turnover, which exceeds ₹1,500 crore. Beyond his corporate role, he was a prominent voice in the industry and an accomplished tea taster and evaluator.
He was also an active participant in various industry bodies, including the Federation of Indian Industry (FII), advocating for the growth and development of the tea sector. Desai’s expertise extended across borders as well, with an MBA from Long Island University, USA, enhancing his global perspective.
The Wagh Bakri Tea Group, founded in 1892 by Narandas Desai, has grown into a tea powerhouse with a turnover of ₹2,000 crore today. Parag Desai played a pivotal role in the company’s transformation, overseeing its expansion into tea lounges and e-commerce platforms.
Condolences have poured in from across the nation, with Shaktisinh Gohil, Rajya Sabha MP and Gujarat Congress chief, expressing his sorrow and offering his condolences to the entire Wagh Bakri family. Tech Mahindra also paid tribute to Desai’s untimely passing, acknowledging the significant loss to the industry.
The legacy of Parag Desai will undoubtedly endure within the world of tea, and his contributions will be remembered by tea enthusiasts worldwide. The Wagh Bakri Tea Group, along with the larger tea community, mourns the loss of a passionate leader and tea aficionado.
As news of his passing reverberates across the globe, it is clear that Parag Desai’s impact on the tea industry and his commitment to excellence will be cherished for years to come.