Wagh Bakri executive director (49) dies after street dog attack
The executive director of Wagh Bakri Tea Group, Parag Desai, passed away on Sunday, aged 49, the company announced on social media on Monday. He was attacked by stray dogs outside his residence on October 15. He suffered grave injuries trying to ward off the attack, Ahmedabad Mirror reported. He died of a brain hemorrhage while undergoing treatment at Zydus Hospital in Gujarat's Ahmedabad.
Prominent leaders condole with Desai's family
Desai was on ventilator after attack
Reportedly, Desai was on ventilator support for the last few days as he suffered a brain hemorrhage. On October 15, a security guard outside Desai's residence alerted his family members after he suffered the fatal injury. He was initially rushed to Shelby Hospital in Ahmedabad. After keeping him under observation for a day, the doctors referred him to Zydus Hospital for surgery.
Survived by wife, daughter
Desai is survived by his wife, Vidisha, and daughter Parisha. His last rites were reportedly conducted at Ahmedabad's Thaltej Crematorium on Monday morning. He was associated with several charities, including the Blind People's Association and Jivdaya Charitable Trust, which has a veterinary hospital in Ahmedabad.
Desai modernized the Wagh Bakri brand
Reportedly, Desai headed Wagh Bakri's sales, marketing, and exports, while his father, Rashesh Desai, is the managing director. After pursuing an MBA from Long Island University, US, he returned to modernize the century-old tea company—founded by his great grandfather Narandas Desai—which currently has a turnover of Rs. 2,000 crore. The company has a presence across India and recently ventured into Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
Expanded brand by introducing new products
Wagh Bakri is the third biggest packaged tea brand in India, per NDTV. Desai was dubbed a tea evangelist, teaching foreigners the art of preparing a good cup of tea. Notably, he expanded the company by launching tea lounges and new products such as iced tea and coffee. He was an active participant in leading industry forums, including the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
