Ahmedabad: Parag Desai, the executive director of Gujarat Tea Processors and Packers Limited, known for its Wagh Bakri tea brand, passed away at a private hospital here on a late Sunday evening. Mr. Desai, aged 49, was admitted to the hospital due to injuries sustained in an accident near his residence which was triggered by stray dogs. He suffered a brain hemorrhage after being attacked by street dogs outside his residence when he was on morning walk. He is survived by his wife, Vidisha, and their daughter, Parisha.

Desai was hospitalized in Shelby Hospital after reportedly slipping outside his home, attempting to keep away street dogs that attacked him, on October 15. A security guard informed the family members about the incident. According to sources close to the family, the accident occurred during a morning walk near Iscon Ambli Road on, when Desai suffered a serious head injury from a fall. He was first admitted to Shalby Hospital but later shifted to Zydus Hospital for surgery. After being on a ventilator for seven days, Desai unfortunately succumbed to multiple health complications on Sunday.

Parag Desai was the son of Rasesh Desai, the Managing Director of Wagh bakri group. Parag looked after sales, marketing and exports at the Wagh Bakri Tea.

Desai, after completing his MBA from Long Island University, USA, returned to Ahmedabad and spearheaded Wagh Bakri. He was a known tea evangelist and taught foreigners the art of making a good cup of tea.

Parag worked towards modernising the 104-year-old company founded by his great grandfather. He expanded the brand into tea lounges and newer products like iced tea and coffee. Desai was associated with charities like Blind People’s Association (BPA) and Jivdaya Charitable Trust, which runs an animal hospital in Ahmedabad. The last rites of the deceased took place at 9 am today at Thaltej crematorium.

Desai was the fourth-generation entrepreneur in charge of the premium tea conglomerate. In addition to overseeing the group’s sales, marketing, and exports division, and contributing to the brand’s success, Desai was a passionate tea taster and evaluator. He also had a strong interest in travel, and wildlife, and actively participated in sustainability projects.

In 1995, Desai joined the business when the company’s value was less than Rs 100 crore. Today, the Wagh Bakri Tea Group, under his leadership, has become one of the leading packaged tea companies in India, with a turnover exceeding Rs 2,000 crore and a distribution of over 50 million kilograms of tea. The company has a presence in 24 Indian states and exports to around 60 countries. He was part of the Chief Minister’s delegation on a visit abroad. He was also associated with various organizations such as CII and Tie.

Irreplaceable loss to society

Parag Desai inaugurated a public primary school in the village Rajnagar near Kalol for which he donated for construction of the building.

Desai inaugurating a free treatment and surgery camp for needy people for which he donated in rural Gujarat. 4201 patients from 45 villages were served.

Parag Desai distributing 102 self-employment kits to differently-abled individuals worth Rs. 5.98 lakh in Surendranagar.

There are a number of hospitals where needy people get free or highly subsidized treatments. Desai was a donor to such hospitals such as Jivraj Mehta Memorial Hospital in Ahmedabad, Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital Nadiad, Gujarat Cancer Society-run hospital in Ahmedabad, Thakarshi Charitable Trust-run hospital in Ahmedabad. Desai’s company has under CSR Fund (Corporate Social Responsibility) donated crores of Rupees for such causes. DeshGujarat

DeshGujarat