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Piyushbhai Desai, Wagh Bakri Tea Chairman and Gandhian, Passes Away at 86.
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News18•20-09-2026, 18:51
Piyushbhai Desai, Wagh Bakri Tea Chairman and Gandhian, Passes Away at 86.
- •Piyushbhai Desai, Chairman of 'Wagh Bakri Tea Group', passed away on September 15 at the age of 86.
- •He guided the Indian tea industry for over six decades and was a symbol of Gandhian lifestyle and social consciousness.
- •Desai expanded 'Wagh Bakri' tea to over 20 Indian states and 30 countries worldwide, achieving an annual turnover exceeding 2,000 crore rupees.
- •He was a staunch advocate of Gandhiji's Trusteeship principle and raised his voice against violence during the 2002 Gujarat riots.
- •The brand name 'Wagh Bakri' (Tiger Goat) symbolizes social harmony, aiming to unite all sections of society over a cup of tea.
Key Questions Answered
Piyushbhai Desai passed away on September 15 at the age of 86.
Narendas Desai named the brand in 1925 with a deep social philosophy, where 'Wagh' symbolized the influential upper class and 'Bakri' symbolized common people, showing that rich and poor could sit together at a tea table.
Earlier in 2026, the North Eastern Tea Association (NETA) honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. He also served as a member of the Tea Board of India from 1998 to 2002 and helped establish industry organizations like the Gujarat Tea Traders Association.
