Rajshree Upadhyaya |Business Remedies | By bringing the art of letter writing back to life, Harnehmat Kaur and Shivani Mehta founded Daak Room and carved a distinctive space for themselves. What began as a quiet rebellion against the speed-driven, purpose-less nature of digital communication soon turned into a meaningful movement. While studying at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, Shivani Mehta and Harnehmat Kaur discovered a shared love for handwritten letters, postcards, and the slow unfolding of emotions through pen and paper.
At a time when conversations were increasingly confined to screens, the two friends found comfort in writing to each other and to their loved ones. Realizing how personal and thought-provoking this process felt, a small habit soon transformed into a bigger idea. In 2013, on World Post Day, they set up a small postcard-writing stall in their college canteen. The overwhelming response revealed an important truth-people had not lost the desire to communicate through handwritten letters; they had simply forgotten it.
Encouraged by the enthusiasm around them, Shivani and Harnehmat began experimenting with ways to turn letter writing into a shared cultural experience. What started as informal writing corners and pop-up stalls gradually evolved into a structured venture. In 2015, they officially registered their enterprise under SH Enterprises LLP, giving Daak Room a legal identity and a clear direction. The brand derives its name from the Hindi word “Daak” (post), reflecting its deep connection with India’s postal heritage and the emotional journeys of handwritten letters. From the very beginning, Daak Room positioned itself not merely as a brand, but as a movement-one that encourages people to slow down and reconnect through thoughtful, intentional communication.
Signature Letter Writing Carnivals at the Heart of the Brand
At the core of Daak Room’s philosophy lies the belief that handwriting strengthens emotional intelligence, improves clarity of thought, and nurtures empathy. To translate this belief into action, the founders created immersive experiences that encouraged people to write freely, without judgment or digital distractions. Their signature Letter Writing Carnivals became central to the brand’s identity, transforming public spaces into vibrant zones where families, students, and even strangers sat together to write letters-to parents, friends, their future selves, or even to people they had never met.
These carnivals blended creativity with nostalgia, making writing feel like a celebration rather than an academic exercise. Alongside experiences, Daak Room also developed thoughtfully designed products that made letter writing accessible beyond events. Their range includes letter writing kits that guide beginners through the process; postcard sketchbooks that merge illustrations with words; postcard calendars that encourage a regular writing habit; and curated postcard collections inspired by travel, nature, and Indian culture. Every product was designed not for mass consumption, but for emotional connection-prompting users to pause, reflect, and express themselves.
Expanding Reach Through Collaborations and National Recognition
As the brand matured, Daak Room expanded its presence by collaborating with schools, educational institutions, and organizations. Through workshops, creative writing sessions, and school programs, the founders introduced children and young adults to handwriting-not as an obligation, but as a powerful tool for self-expression. These initiatives reinforced the idea that letter writing can be both joyful and purposeful, helping participants articulate their thoughts and emotions more clearly.
Daak Room’s journey gained national attention when Shivani Mehta and Harnehmat Kaur appeared on Shark Tank India Season 3. Their pitch stood out for its emotional depth, as they shared handwritten letters with the sharks to demonstrate the impact of their work. Seeking Rs. 36 lakh for 4% equity, they presented Daak Room as a cultural enterprise built on experiences, products, and educational engagement. While some sharks raised concerns about scalability, the authenticity of the mission resonated strongly. This led to Ritesh Agarwal offering an investment on revised terms, which the founders accepted.
From a college canteen experiment in 2013 to a nationally recognized brand, the story of Daak Room is one of patience, creativity, and faith in human connection. Shivani Mehta and Harnehmat Kaur transformed their love for handwritten letters into a brand that reminds people that sometimes, the most powerful messages are those written slowly-by hand, and from the heart.
