18
Nov
2024
From Engineers to PR Pioneers: The Inspiring Story of PRAG India
The story of PRAG India (Public Relations and Advocacy Group) is a journey that inspires dreamers and doers alike. Founded by Gaurav Gautam and Ankesh Chaurasia, PRAG India stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets determination. Their transition from engineers to PR pioneers isn’t just a career shift—it’s a masterclass in following one’s instincts and creating impact in an entirely different field.
The Visionaries: Gaurav Gautam and Ankesh Chaurasia
Behind PRAG India’s incredible success story are two visionaries with a shared goal of creating something extraordinary.
Gaurav Gautam: The Techie with a Vision
An IT engineer by qualification, Gaurav Gautam began his career in a traditional tech role. However, his true calling wasn’t in writing lines of code but in crafting stories that connect with people. His initial years in a corporate IT environment were marked by professional growth, but the satisfaction he sought remained elusive.
Driven by a desire to break free from the mundane and venture into a field where he could express his creativity, Gaurav made the bold decision to leave the comfort of his established career.
Ankesh Chaurasia: The Innovator Who Followed His Heart
Similarly, Ankesh Chaurasia, with a degree in electronics engineering, was charting a promising path in the corporate world. But the glimmer of corporate success couldn’t match the spark he felt for creative storytelling and communication. Ankesh knew he had more to offer than the confined routine of his day job.
Their shared dissatisfaction with conventional career paths became the foundation for their collaboration.
The Genesis of PRAG India
PRAG India’s journey started modestly, in a one-room office with just a dining table and a handful of trusted allies. There were no grand strategies or big budgets—only passion, persistence, and a desire to prove themselves.
Why PR?
For Gaurav and Ankesh, public relations and advocacy were fields that allowed them to merge their analytical skills from engineering with their creative aspirations. They saw an opportunity to not only help brands and causes communicate effectively but also to make a difference in society by amplifying important voices and messages.
The name PRAG India itself reflects their mission—building strong connections through public relations and advocacy while embodying growth and innovation.
Challenges Along the Way
Starting from scratch in an industry they had no prior experience in was anything but easy.
1. Building Credibility
Entering a competitive field like PR without a formal background was met with skepticism. Clients were hesitant to trust their brand image to newcomers. Gaurav and Ankesh tackled this by demonstrating their abilities through smaller, high-impact projects.
2. Resource Constraints
With minimal funding and limited resources, every penny had to be stretched to its fullest potential. From working late nights to learning on the job, they poured their energy into building a reputation for PRAG India.
3. Navigating the Learning Curve
Transitioning from engineering to PR required mastering a whole new skill set. They educated themselves on branding, media relations, event management, and digital marketing while refining their innate problem-solving abilities.
PRAG India’s First Big Break
Every successful venture has a turning point, and for PRAG India, it came when they were tasked with writing a press release for Bihar’s Skill Development Department.
With only 30 minutes to create a polished press release, Gaurav and Ankesh delivered work that exceeded expectations. Their ability to craft compelling, precise narratives caught the attention of key stakeholders, earning them trust and more opportunities.
This milestone marked the beginning of PRAG India’s journey toward becoming a trusted name in the PR industry.
From Local to Global: PRAG India’s Growth
What began as a small operation has now evolved into a global communication boutique with a presence in India, the United Kingdom, Dubai, and Nepal.
1. Cultural Diplomacy at the G20 Summit
One of PRAG India’s standout achievements was their involvement in promoting India’s cultural heritage during the G20 Summit. By organizing yoga and Ayurveda sessions for international delegates, they not only showcased India’s traditions but also positioned PRAG India as a leader in cultural diplomacy.
2. Social Advocacy: The #Right2Rest Campaign
PRAG India’s dedication to creating meaningful impact extends beyond brands and events. Their #Right2Rest campaign, advocating for menstrual leave policies, highlights their commitment to inclusivity and social change. By addressing a culturally sensitive issue, they successfully combined advocacy with impactful storytelling.
3. Strategic Collaborations
PRAG India has also partnered with global organizations like United Nations Women, furthering initiatives that promote gender equality and social progress. These collaborations reflect their ability to operate at the intersection of local relevance and global influence.
Why PRAG India’s Journey Matters
The journey from engineers to PR pioneers is more than a personal success story. It’s a reminder that unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary destinations.
1. The Power of Adaptability
Gaurav and Ankesh’s ability to pivot from technical careers to creative ones demonstrates the importance of adaptability. Their engineering backgrounds equipped them with analytical skills that proved invaluable in the PR world.
2. Impact Through Communication
PRAG India’s work highlights the transformative power of communication. Whether it’s helping brands stand out, amplifying cultural heritage, or advocating for social causes, they’ve shown that storytelling can drive change.
3. Inspiring Future Entrepreneurs
For aspiring entrepreneurs, PRAG India’s journey offers valuable lessons in perseverance, resourcefulness, and the courage to chase one’s dreams.
Lessons from PRAG India’s Success
- Follow Your Passion: Gaurav and Ankesh’s decision to leave lucrative careers for their true calling proves that passion is a powerful motivator.
- Embrace Challenges: From skepticism to resource constraints, their ability to face challenges head-on has been key to their success.
- Think Big, Start Small: PRAG India’s humble beginnings underscore the importance of taking the first step, no matter how small.
- Stay Committed: Their journey is a testament to the value of hard work, persistence, and belief in one’s vision.
Conclusion
The story of PRAG India is a shining example of how determination and creativity can turn dreams into reality. Gaurav Gautam and Ankesh Chaurasia’s journey from engineers to PR pioneers reminds us that success is not about where you start but about where you’re willing to go.
PRAG India’s rise in the PR industry isn’t just a business success—it’s a legacy of innovation, passion, and impact. Their journey continues to inspire those who dare to think differently and pursue their dreams with relentless determination.
