Parag Desai (1974–2023) was an Indian businessman who was the executive director of Wagh Bakri Tea Group. He died on 22 October 2023 after suffering a brain hemorrhage while trying to protect himself from a street dog that attacked him on 15 October 2023.
Contents
Wiki/Biography
Parag Desai was born in 1974 (age 49 years at the time of death) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He obtained a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Long Island University, USA.
Physical Appearance
Height (Approx): 5′ 7″
Hair Color: Black
Eye colour: black
Family
parents and siblings
Parag’s father’s name is Rashesh Desai, who was the managing director of Wagh Bakri Tea Group.
wife and children
Parag was married to Vidisha Desai.
Parag Desai with his wife
They have a daughter, Parisha Desai.
Parag Desai with his daughter
livelihood
In 1995, Parag joined the family business ‘Wagh Bakri Tea Group’. He was the fourth generation member of the Desai family to be involved in the business. The company focused on selling packaged tea in India and became the first company to do so. When he joined, his main focus was on branding, marketing and packaging, for which he hired professionals. In an interview, he said that the company faced difficulties in selling packaged tea because at that time people in India were not confident about buying packaged and branded items. The problem was solved after the 1985 riots in Ahmedabad when people came to believe that the quality of packaged tea was equal to that of loose tea available in stores. In the interview he further said,
We launched our packet in other parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. In those days, expansion was an issue as sales tax varied from state to state.”
Parag was the head of the sales, marketing and export department of the company. He worked on launching Tea Lounge and strengthening the company’s digital and social media presence. He used innovative marketing, branding and packaging strategies and for this he received an award from the Ahmedabad Management Association. He also worked on expanding the business by introducing products such as iced tea and coffee. He also worked as a tea taster and evaluator. He was included in the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). He used to taste 700 cups of tea every day. In an interview, he told that when he was on vacation with his family in 1990, he sold his first packet of tea in America. When he was there, he realized that Indians living in the country used to buy tea, but they were asked to buy at least 20 kg of tea, so he thought of selling 5 kg tea bags there. His idea came into action when he went to a grocery store, met a Gujarati man and sold him his tea. He also sold his tea bags in UK. In Britain he noticed many Gujarati immigrants from Uganda who liked to drink Indian tea. So, Parag met a storekeeper and sold him his tea bags.
Death
Parag died on 22 October 2023 at Zydus Hospital in Gujarat due to brain haemorrhage. On October 15, 2023, when he was on a morning walk, some street dogs attacked him. He tried to escape from the dogs and fell, resulting in head injuries. After the security guard informed the family about the incident, they were immediately taken to Shelby Hospital. He was kept under observation for a day and later shifted to Zydus Hospital for surgery. He was put on a ventilator for a week but died on 22 October 2023. His last rites were performed at Thaltej crematorium. Rajya Sabha MP and Gujarat Congress chief Shaktisinh Gohil condoled Parag’s demise and wrote on Twitter,
Very sad news is coming. Parag Desai, director and owner of Wagh Bakri Tea passed away. He suffered brain hemorrhage after the fall. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to the entire Wagh Bakri family across India.”
Favorite
- Films: Independence Day (1996), The Jurassic Park Series, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
- Gadgets: Samsung Galaxy E5, HTC M8, iPad Air
- Book: The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
- Brands: Zara, Marks & Spencer, Nautica, Selfridges
Facts/General Knowledge
- Wagh Bakri completed 100 years in 2020. The company is famous for its logo which is very unique. It depicts a tiger representing the British and a goat representing Indians drinking tea from the same cup.
- When Parag joined the company, it was worth Rs. 100 crores. The company’s turnover in 2023 will be Rs. 2,000 crores. The company also distributes more than 50 million kilograms of tea. It operates in 24 Indian states and exports to 60 countries.
- He loved traveling and had a great interest in wildlife. He used to participate in many sustainability projects.
- He was associated with charity groups such as the Blind People’s Association (BPA) and Jeevdaya Charitable Trust, which runs an animal hospital in Ahmedabad.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn