In the early 1900s, Durban was a harsh place for Indians, where racial segregation governed daily life. In 1892, Narandas Desai, a passionate Gandhian, established 500 acres of tea estate in Durban, South Africa.
It was here that Desai, a Gujarati entrepreneur, experienced bitter humiliation. He was refused service at a ‘whites-only’ tea room.
This incident left a deep mark on Desai. Instead of bowing to prejudice, he resolved to transform exclusion into an opportunity for equality.
In 1915, he returned to India and founded a tea business in Ahmedabad, hoping to create a brand that brought people together. Desai took a loan and established the Gujarat Tea Depot in Ahmedabad in 1919, initially selling loose tea.
Birth of Wagh Bakri
He named it Wagh Bakri, literally ‘Tiger-Goat.’ The unusual pairing symbolised harmony between the powerful and the meek, underscoring a belief that across the tea table, all stood as equals. The logo itself carried this bold social message.
Growth of an Iconic Brand
From modest sales, Wagh Bakri steadily grew, fuelled by its commitment to quality and its deeper philosophy of inclusiveness. Over the decades, it became one of India’s most trusted and iconic tea brands, transcending class and community.
A Cup with a Message
Today, every cup of Wagh Bakri does more than refresh: it tells a story. It recalls one man’s stand against injustice, his dream of equality, and how something as simple as tea became a medium of shared experiences and social harmony.
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