Meet The SHEROES: Prachi Kagzi, Founder, Little Passports

“‘All those who wander are not lost.’  I have been a wanderer since young,” Prachi Kagzi, Founder, Little Passports travel experts who create customised edu-trips for school children, tells Karuna John. (Excerpts:)

When did you know that your passion for travel was to become your vocation too?

As firm believers of 'nurture shapes nature ', my parents passed on the travel bug to me. They were non-conformist travelers, even in the late ‘80’s. They would take multiple trips (both with and without kids), to offbeat destinations such as Mexico, Greek Isles , Papua New Guinea. We we never carried any Indian snacks, and ate like locals.

This broadened my mind about culture, local food and exotic destinations and I was thoroughly immersed in the parallel universe of travel. I started traveling independently when I was studying abroad. I would plan getaways with my friends--they would want to travel to Paris or Zurich, but I would suggest some quaint village in the north and get 'the looks'! They did accommodate my suggestions on the odd occasion and were pleasantly surprised.

I was lucky to have met and married someone who shared my travel exuberance. He had an even more eccentric travel map and a wilder 'places-to-go' list. We experienced many unique destinations, from the mysterious Iceland to the high-tech Taiwan; we dove in the Red Sea and chased the northern lights through the Arctic.

After my son was born, the journey continued, and we took him on his first overseas trip to China. Many thought I was an out-of-the-box mom, but after listening to our delightful encounters, a lot of them were keen to go too. Thus encouraged, I ventured into kids’ travel and founded Little Passports.

But, what was your childhood ambition?

I have been creatively inclined and the Arts always seemed to be my calling. I dreamt of being a dancer, a ballerina maybe. Over time, I gained proficiency in Kathak, Indian folk, contemporary jazz and Latin dances, art (charcoal and acrylic on canvas), music (keyboard and Hindustani vocals), and photography (an associate certification). I also write poetry and travel articles for various publications.

I lived in a joint family and would often put up drama, dance and music shows with all my cousins on every festival. I was at the forefront of all school functions and never shied away from any opportunity to perform on the stage.

Did your formal education steer you towards what you hoped to be, or did you change course and chart a different path?

I wanted to experience everything at once! I studied various subjects ranging from business, fashion and photography to dance. I did short stints in each sphere before my MBA, and finally landed an investment banking job. My education has led me to become what I am, I wouldn't have achieved half as much otherwise. Most importantly, it gave me the faith to go out there and do what I want!

What service does Little Passports  provide?

Little Passports is a novel concept in the kids’ travel space for India. We organise ‘educative travel tours’ for kids aged between three and 15 years. The concept resonates with today's parents who value 'learning by doing’. These trips are in tandem with school holidays, are proactive, and keep the needs of kids and their parents’ concerns in mind. I understand the importance of age-appropriate attractions, and devise itineraries accordingly.

How did family and friends react to your business venture?

As Little Passports is an innovative concept in the education-travel world, it received an overwhelming response from family, friends, parents and educational institutions alike. There was a gaping hole in this sphere and we have touched enthusiastic parents, and the IB curriculum-based schools in India by offering these tours.

I owe my entrepreneurial edge to my work experience and my family. I hail from a traditional Marwari business family and have seen that one has to overcome many obstacles to climb the entrepreneurship ladder.

What do you see changing for women professionals in India?

I see an obvious change in our generation, and the blurring of lines between the roles of men and women. This has led women to start careers in unconventional industries and reach top leadership positions. I would encourage women to consider business, as it would give them work flexibility and a chance to follow their passion.

What inspires you, and what is your long term goal?

I am inspired by the youth starting multi-million dollar mobile apps, e-commerce businesses. I aspire to grow my start-up into a model which I can replicate across the globe. After all, it's only the seed (idea) that needs to be of the best breed to ensure a sturdy plant (business)!