Parag Desai, the Executive Director of the renowned Wagh Bakri Tea Group, has left us at the young age of 49, following a tragic incident. This article provides a brief overview of his life, the circumstances of his passing, and his significant contributions.
Parag Desai, a prominent figure and the scion of the Wagh Bakri Tea Group, met an untimely end on October 22, leaving behind a void that will be challenging to fill. Mr. Desai’s life and legacy were deeply entwined with the Wagh Bakri tea brand, which has been a household name for tea lovers.
**Tragic Incident Leading to His Passing:**
On October 15, a horrifying incident unfolded. Parag Desai, in an attempt to escape a group of street dogs that had attacked him, fell outside his residence. The severity of the situation became evident when he suffered a brain haemorrhage. Swift action was taken, with a security guard alerting his family and him being rushed to Shelby Hospital for immediate treatment. After a day of observation, he was transferred to Zydus Hospital for surgery. Unfortunately, Parag Desai, who fought for his life, passed away on October 22, after spending seven days on a ventilator, according to sources cited in The Times of India.
**His Legacy:**
Parag Desai, the son of Rasesh Desai, the Managing Director of the Wagh Bakri Tea Group, was not just a scion but also a seasoned entrepreneur. With over three decades of experience, he played a pivotal role in the company’s sales, marketing, and export divisions. Under his leadership, the company achieved an impressive turnover of more than ₹1,500 crore.
**An Industry Influencer:**
Desai wasn’t limited to his role within the family business. He was a respected voice in the industry and a prolific tea taster. His involvement extended to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and various other industry bodies. The Wagh Bakri website described him as “an expert tea taster and evaluator.” Furthermore, his academic background included an MBA from Long Island University, USA.
Parag Desai’s untimely demise is a great loss, not only for the Wagh Bakri Tea Group but also for the entire tea industry. His entrepreneurial spirit, deep expertise in tea, and his role as an industry influencer will be remembered by many. The circumstances of his passing serve as a tragic reminder of the unpredictable nature of life.