Breaking the Mold: Pranav Chugh Trades Uncertainty for Purpose
‘25, Master of Sports Leadership and Graduate Commencement Student Speaker Understudy
A Childhood Shaped by a Diagnosis
When Pranav Chugh was six years old, his life changed with a diagnosis of celiac disease. “I didn’t speak until I was three years old; my family didn’t think I would ever speak. I was always sick, so having an answer was really helpful, but it changed my life.” From that moment, food became more than just a source of nourishment, it became a challenge. The early 2000s lacked the gluten-free options available today, and Chugh’s family had to have food shipped from Canada. “I remember we ate this loaf of bread all the time that tasted like cardboard; the gluten-free industry has gotten so much better since then,” he recalled.
His diagnosis was not just a personal hurdle but a family affair. Since celiac disease is hereditary, it prompted his entire family to get tested. His older sister was diagnosed at the age of 12. Unlike Pranav, who initially tried to distance himself from his condition, his sister used the diagnosis as motivation to pursue a career in medicine. “When that happens as a kid, you either make this your own world around it, like my sister did, or you try to escape it,” he said. Their mother, already a gastroenterologist and pediatrician, played a pivotal role in managing their new lifestyle. She was a leading medical professional at a center for gastroenterology in both The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and she is currently at the University of Chicago, dedicating herself to ensuring families like hers had access to proper care.
Growing up, Chugh often felt isolated because of his dietary restrictions. His parents would provide boxes of snacks for his teachers to give him during school hours, which unintentionally made him feel different from his peers. “My parents had a bunch of boxes of snacks they would give to the teacher at the start of the school year, and they didn’t realize that ostracized me from my peers. Now, looking back, I think children would benefit from hearing from me rather than just from a medical doctor.”
Despite these challenges, Chugh ultimately found empowerment in his diagnosis. He became involved in celiac awareness efforts, frequently speaking at support groups and working as a counselor at Camp Celiac, a Rhode Island summer camp (now based in New Jersey) for children with celiac disease. “Funny thing is, when they’re at camp, the kids don’t want to talk about being gluten-free; they just want to be normal for a week,” he said. “I get to go back and see all the counselors, but I’m giving back to those who helped me when I was younger. They helped me when I was 15 and 16 years old.”
“Funny thing is, when they’re at camp, the kids don’t want to talk about being gluten-free; they just want to be normal for a week.”
Finding His Own Path: Education and Early Adulthood
Chugh’s academic journey began at the University of Miami, where he majored in political science and minored in history. Coming from a family of doctors, he initially struggled to find his place. “After my first year in college, I realized, ‘This wasn’t for me.’” His parents and older sister pursued careers in medicine, and he often felt like an outlier.
Throughout his undergraduate years, Chugh was deeply involved in extracurricular activities such as Model UN, which helped him build confidence and leadership skills. “I was such a shy kid; I never spoke out and I had a hard time being extroverted let alone speaking in public; my parents had to even order for me at restaurants it was so bad,” he said. “But then, in high school, this one senior came up to me and said, ‘We’re going to work on this together.’ I don’t even remember his name, but that moment changed everything and I was able to come out of my shell.”
He graduated in 2020, just as the pandemic disrupted the world, and found himself uncertain about his future. He moved back to New Jersey, briefly pursued law school, and even worked as a casino card dealer before realizing his true passion lay elsewhere.
Reconnecting with Family and Identity
During college and the pandemic, Chugh found himself drifting away from his family. “Not to sound pompous, but I felt I was underachieving based on what I thought of my own potential and talent,” he admitted. “This inferiority complex seeped into my relationships, and I think I was lashing out and causing divides with people I loved.”
However, as he matured, he recognized the importance of his family’s support. “It took a long time for me to realize that I needed to grow up, but now, I am stronger with my family than I ever have been before.” Today, he embraces his heritage and family more than ever, taking immense gratitude in the relationships he has rebuilt.
A Second Chance: Finding Purpose in Sports Leadership
Realizing he needed a change, Chugh applied to Northeastern University’s Sports Leadership graduate program in 2023. “My dream job is me talking with people, traveling. I don’t think I’ll ever be happy sitting behind a desk from 9 to 5, so law wasn’t for me.” Moving to Boston and enrolling in the program gave him a renewed sense of purpose. “I went to my mirror and said, ‘Don’t mess this up. This is your second chance. You are getting one now.’”
At Northeastern, he took full advantage of the opportunities presented to him, landing an internship with Steel Sports, and seasonal jobs in Fenway Park’s tour department and Major League Baseball’s data operations team. “I’ve been blessed to travel. I was just in Arizona for an analytics conference and met with 11 different teams. It was incredible to meet the people doing the jobs I want to do.”
Looking Ahead: A Future in Sports and Advocacy
With newfound clarity, Chugh now has his sights set on a career in baseball scouting and player development. “I want to evaluate and develop players. That’s where I’d like to be, but it’s super competitive,” he said. Despite the challenges, he remains determined. “I talked to the Milwaukee Brewers, and they said they had 600 applicants for one unpaid position. But I think I deserve to try and see where it takes me.”
Regardless of where his career takes him, one thing is certain—Chugh will always stay involved in celiac advocacy. “I made a deal with myself that I will always give back no matter what I do.” He is currently engaged with a celiac awareness group in Massachusetts and is helping to organize a celiac awareness night at Fenway Park.
“I made a deal with myself that I will always give back no matter what I do.”
Reflecting on his journey, Chugh acknowledges the pivotal role Northeastern played in his personal and professional growth. “I really do think without this degree, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The connections I’ve made, like Brian Porter, a professor who got me in touch with the guy who runs baseball’s diversity program, this all started here at Northeastern. It inspires me as a reminder of the potential I knew I had.”
From a child struggling with dietary restrictions to a young professional shaping his own future, Pranav Chugh’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and unwavering ambition. “I’m present now, and I take a lot of gratitude for my family and my experiences,” he said. “And I know this is just the beginning.”
