About me

Hey there! I’m Dhruv Surana, a 17-year-old adventurer from Aurangabad, and I’m excited to share a bit about myself. I study at Nath Valley School, where I serve as the Activities Vice Captain. This role has opened up incredible opportunities for me to lead, collaborate, and dive into various exciting projects.

One of my greatest passions is cooking and baking. There’s something magical about transforming simple ingredients into delicious creations, and I love experimenting with flavors to share my culinary delights with friends and family. It’s a joyful way to connect with those I care about.

In addition to my culinary adventures, I find immense joy in debating and acting. Engaging in lively discussions challenges me to explore different perspectives, while bringing characters to life on stage allows me to express my creativity. I believe that both of these passions are essential for personal growth and understanding the world around me.

Reading fuels my imagination, too. Whether it’s fiction, business literature, or inspiring biographies, I’m always on the lookout for stories that challenge my thinking and broaden my horizons.

Family and friends are my backbone, and I cherish the moments we share, especially during vibrant celebrations like Diwali. But the most important part of my life is my Shih Tzu, Summer. He’s not just a pet; he’s my loyal companion and a source of joy and comfort. I truly couldn’t imagine my life without him by my side.

At the age of 13, I took a leap of faith and started my own business, which ignited my fascination with entrepreneurship. The thrill of innovation and problem-solving excites me, whether I’m brainstorming new ideas or navigating challenges. Participating in Model United Nations has further fueled my passion for global issues, allowing me to engage in meaningful debates and connect with diverse viewpoints.

I draw inspiration from incredible figures like Ratan Tata, who remind me that with determination and creativity, anything is possible.

Entrepreneurship.

Starting D'bakes at just 13 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I turned a simple passion for baking into a growing business that has now reached customers across India. With over 700 successful orders and a revenue of 10 lakhs, I’ve not only learned to perfect the art of baking but have also developed a range of skills essential for running a business. Managing everything from sourcing organic and high-quality ingredients to packaging and shipping, I’ve honed my attention to detail, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards.

The journey has taught me the value of customer-centric service—understanding and anticipating customers' needs, responding promptly to inquiries, and building a community around the D'bakes brand. Scaling from local deliveries to shipping Pan-India, I mastered logistics and order fulfillment while navigating the challenges of handling bulk orders and timely deliveries. I’ve also gained experience in digital marketing, using social media and online platforms to share the story and vision of D'bakes and to connect with a loyal customer base that values both indulgence and quality.

Through D'bakes, I’m proud to bring people moments of joy with healthier, clean-label treats and desserts, and I look forward to expanding this journey by continuing to innovate and provide unique, guilt-free indulgences for dessert lovers across the country.

Academic achievements.

I am proud to have maintained a strong academic record, achieving 93% in my Class 10 board exams. In Class 11, I chose Commerce and ranked in the top 5% of my class, scoring high marks in Accountancy, English, and Economics

10 Board exams

93 %

Inspire government science project

Project on how to recycle and generate electricity from sewage water received a cash prize of 8,000 inr for the same

Grade 11

Top 5 percent of the class scoring high marks in accountancy , economics , english

Club Prize

Received the club prize for my project based on generating electricity from waste running water produced by the use of sinks

Volunteering.

During my volunteer experience with NOSFAM, I contributed to initiatives focused on providing quality education to underprivileged children, helping bridge gaps in their learning. Additionally, with Artha, I supported efforts to empower underprivileged women by equipping them with essential skills to start and sustain their own businesses, fostering self-reliance and financial independence.

My volunteer experience with NOSFAM was both impactful and fulfilling. As Marketing Head and later Co-Head, I implemented strategies to expand educational access for underprivileged children through outreach programs, awareness campaigns, and community engagement. One of my most rewarding initiatives was organizing a bake sale fundraiser that raised 15,000 INR, which I donated to the local government hospital in Aurangabad to support essential healthcare services for the community.

Additionally, I founded Artha, an initiative aimed at empowering underprivileged women by equipping them with the skills needed to establish and manage their own businesses. Through Artha, I have worked to foster financial independence and provide ongoing mentorship to women, creating pathways for sustainable growth and self-reliance. These experiences have deepened my commitment to social impact and equipped me with invaluable skills.

Extracurriculars.

IBM Skills build virtual internship

Was selected in a pan India competition on sustainable development innovative entrepreneurial solutions by IBM. Was awarded a 14- day virtual internship during the course of which, my team, amongst the top selected teams was further named among the top 2 teams and was selected to present before the board of directors of IBM. I was personally selected to deliver one of the final projects on the last day of the internship.

Debate

As the secretary of my school’s debate club, I have developed strong public speaking, critical thinking, and persuasive communication skills, which culminated in winning the Best Debater award. My journey in debating began in the sixth grade, allowing me to compete in various state and national competitions, where I learned to articulate ideas effectively and consider diverse perspectives.

These experiences have sharpened my analytical abilities and taught me the importance of research and preparation. The skills I've gained through debating have proven invaluable in my Model United Nations (MUN) participation and entrepreneurial pursuits, equipping me to contribute thoughtfully to discussions in a collegiate environment.

Financial stock trading

At the age of 14, I took my first step into investing, utilizing profits from my business to build a diverse portfolio. Starting with an initial investment of 3 lakhs, I carefully selected holdings in prominent companies such as Bank of Baroda, Titan, TCS, Asian Paints, PNB, NALCO, and Tata Motors. Today, that portfolio has grown to 6.7 lakhs, reflecting not only the financial returns but also my dedication to making strategic, informed investment decisions. This experience has strengthened my understanding of financial markets and reinforced my commitment to disciplined, growth-oriented investing.

Acting

Throughout high school, I have been actively involved in the drama club, taking on lead roles in English plays and earning the Best Actor award twice. My passion for acting has allowed me to develop strong skills in character interpretation and stage presence. Additionally, I have participated in and won various inter-school competitions, which have further honed my performance abilities and fostered a sense of teamwork.

These experiences have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the arts and the importance of collaboration and creativity in any endeavor. I believe my background in drama will enrich my contributions to the collegiate community and help me engage with diverse perspectives.

MUN's

I have actively participated in over 30 Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, where I have had the honor of serving in various roles, including Chair, Vice Chair, and Delegate. Throughout these experiences, I have won numerous accolades, including Best Delegate and High Commendation awards at more than 15 conferences, including college-level MUNs. My leadership roles have included serving as Vice Chair five times, Chair four times, and Co-Chair once. These experiences have enriched my skills in diplomacy, critical thinking, and leadership, and have deepened my understanding of global issues and collaborative problem-solving.

Business competitions and projects

I have participated in various business case competitions, where I pitched innovative ideas, including a project on generating electricity from sewage water that earned second prize in a state-level competition. Additionally, I have successfully run my own business, generating over 10 lakhs in revenue in less than four years. This entrepreneurial journey has sharpened my problem-solving skills, financial acumen, and ability to execute ideas independently.

These experiences have reinforced my passion for entrepreneurship and my commitment to finding sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges. I am eager to bring this entrepreneurial spirit to the collegiate environment and collaborate with others who share my vision for impactful innovation.