The Journey Of Pratik Bhatt

Hello! I’m Pratik Bhatt — a WordPress developer, community contributor, a small-town dreamer, an open-heart surgery survivor, a gamer and someone who found meaning in life through code, community, and courage. My journey is one of resilience, gratitude and purpose — and I hope it inspires even one person who reads it.

Early Life in Bhavnagar: Born for Battles

I was born in a humble neighborhood of Bhavnagar, a small but vibrant coastal town in Gujarat. Life gave me my first challenge almost immediately. At the age of 3.5 years, I underwent open-heart surgery — a life-saving procedure that left its mark not only on my chest but on my soul. Even before I could understand what pain meant I had survived it.

Just two years later, I lost my father. I was only five.

That loss could have broken me, but instead it introduced me to a hero — my mother. She worked tirelessly, day and night, playing both roles with fierce love and unimaginable strength. Her sacrifices were quiet, constant and invisible to the world, but they were the scaffolding on which my entire future was built. I owe everything I am today to her.

Teenage Years: Games, Chess, and Growth

In my teens, I gravitated toward strategy games and problem-solving — perhaps a subconscious expression of navigating a complex life so early. I participated in Open Bhavnagar chess tournaments, developing a love for logic and structured thinking. That same mindset later translated perfectly into coding.

Computers were rare, internet slower than a whisper and resources limited. Yet, I spent hours in cyber cafés, exploring the world behind the screen. Each click was a step toward a new identity — not as a survivor but as a builder.

College at Pacific University, Udaipur: Discovery and Identity

I went on to pursue my Bachelor of Engineering at Pacific University in Udaipur, where I found more than just an education — I found my voice and versatility.

I earned a strong reputation in quiz contests, debates, and elocution competitions. I enjoyed the thrill of standing on stage, thinking fast and expressing clearly — a skill that would later shape my professional communication and leadership.

I was also a dedicated gamer and proudly won a Need for Speed: Most Wanted tournament during college. That rush of speed and control mirrored how I wanted to approach life — with confidence and calculated risk. I also ranked 3rd in the college chess championship, keeping my connection to strategic thinking alive.

WordPress: My Lifeline, My Living

As I entered the professional world, I was introduced to WordPress — and everything changed.

I still remember the moment I activated my first theme. The way an idea turned into a visual reality — with structure, responsiveness and purpose — was nothing sort of magic to me. That moment, I knew: this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Over the time, WordPress became my bread and butter — quite literally. It provided me with the skills, opportunities and financial independence to build a life I never thought possible.

But more than money, WordPress showed me the path to life.

It empowered me to give businesses a voice, bring local shops online, connect NGOs to donors and allow countless creators to share their passion. Every site I built wasn’t just a project; it was a platform for someone’s dream.

12+ Years of Development & Dedication

Today, with over 12 years of experience in the WordPress ecosystem, I have worked with global clients, built plugins and custom themes, contributed to enterprise sites and created solutions that matter. I have helped startups launch, helped NGOs amplify their causes, and empowered entrepreneurs from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to reach the world.

Whether I’m architecting a complex WooCommerce store, writing a custom plugin, improving performance, or debugging client pain points, my goal is simple: to build things that are fast, reliable, and human-focused.

The Power of Community: Meetups, WordCamps & More

While code gave me a career, it was the WordPress community that gave me connection, energy, and growth. I love attending local meetups and WordCamps, where ideas flow freely, support is abundant, and friendships are formed over coffee and code.

In 2023, I was honored to be part of the organizing team for WordCamp Ahmedabad, one of the biggest community events in India.

Seeing hundreds of attendees come together to learn and celebrate open-source was a proud and emotional moment for me — especially knowing how far I had come from Bhavnagar to that stage.

I also had the privilege of being a volunteer at WordCamp Asia, the flagship WordPress event for the entire continent. It was humbling to support an event of such magnitude, and heartening to see how diverse and inclusive the global WordPress family truly is. Being part of such efforts is not just service — it’s gratitude in action.

For me, meetups and WordCamps aren’t just events — they’re where I recharge my soul, share my knowledge, and feel deeply connected to a global family.

Hobbies Beyond the Keyboard

When I’m not writing code, I embrace life through small joys and soulful moments.

I’m a nature lover and plant enthusiast. Gardening gives me peace, patience, and a quiet form of discipline.

I’m a cricket fan — I love playing as much as watching, especially when Team India is in action. The game reflects my life: unpredictable, strategic, and driven by passion.

I enjoy driving — especially night drives when the roads are empty and music flows freely.

I’m also someone who loves being around animals. I find their presence grounding and healing. At home, I have a pet rabbit, who is more than a companion — he’s a part of my family and a source of daily joy.

Speaking of joy, music is my biggest hobby. Whether I’m coding or relaxing, there’s always a soundtrack playing in the background. Songs help me express what words can’t.

Giving Back & Building Others

Having come from a small town with limited resources, I’m deeply passionate about helping others rise. I actively mentor young developers, especially those from underprivileged or non-metro backgrounds. I want them to know that success is possible — regardless of where you start.

My dream is to one day launch a tech training program in Bhavnagar — to teach local youth about WordPress, freelancing and digital skills.

If WordPress could change my life, it can certainly change theirs.

I also regularly contribute to forums, help organize events, speak at community meetups and make time to guide freshers through their first steps in this amazing ecosystem.

What Life Has Taught Me

Here are some core beliefs that guide me every day:

Heartbeats are precious — I don’t take a single one for granted.

Struggle isn’t a setback — it’s a setup for something greater.

Community is strength — whether in a family, a WordCamp or a GitHub issue thread.

You can come from anywhere — what matters is where you’re going and how many you uplift on the way.

Technology can heal, empower and connect — if used with empathy.

Looking Forward: The Journey Ahead

I’m excited about the future of WordPress — especially AI, full-site editing, headless architecture and performance innovations. I aim to stay at the forefront of these changes, continuing to build solutions that empower users and delight clients.

I also plan to write a book one day — part memoir, part manual — about how open source, open hearts and open minds can transform even the most limited beginnings.

In Closing

If I could go back and speak to the younger version of myself — lying on a hospital bed at 3.5 years old or watching my mother’s struggle silently or feeling like the world was too big for a boy from Bhavnagar — I’d say:

“You’re going to make it. You’re going to build not just websites but a life that helps others build theirs too.”

I don’t just develop WordPress sites.

I develop opportunities, relationships and meaningful digital footprints.

And every time I hit “Activate Theme” or push a release, I think of the journey it took to get here — and the journey still ahead.

If you’re someone who believes in purpose, people and potential — let’s connect. Let’s build. Let’s inspire