Darjeeling tea has always carried an aura of mystique—its delicate aroma, crisp flavor, and heritage rooted in the misty Himalayan slopes. But behind the romance lies a hard truth: decades of export-driven markets left Indian consumers with little access to their own finest teas. In 2021, when the historic Selim Hill Tea Garden faced closure, two brothers—Sparsh Agarwal and Shrey Agarwal—refused to let a 150-year-old legacy fade away. Joined by Ishaan Kanoria, they created Dorje Teas, a brand that reimagines Darjeeling tea for India.

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The Spark That Started Dorje

The turning point came in a hillside bungalow in Darjeeling. Spreadsheets painted a grim picture: falling exports, pandemic losses, and unsustainable operations. But Sparsh and Shrey believed heritage isn’t measured in numbers. They asked for one chance to revive Selim Hill, and that chance became Dorje Teas.

The name “Dorje” means thunder in Tibetan, echoing Darjeeling’s own meaning—Land of Thunder. It symbolized their mission: not to whisper revival, but to announce it boldly.

Shark Tank India Journey

In 2023, Dorje Teas appeared on Shark Tank India, pitching their vision of estate-direct Darjeeling tea for Indian homes. Their passion and clarity resonated with the Sharks.

• They secured ₹30 lakh for 15% equity from Anupam Mittal, Vineeta Singh, and Peyush Bansal.
• The Sharks praised Dorje’s mission to democratize premium Darjeeling tea, making it accessible and affordable for Indian consumers.
• The investment validated their belief that India deserves its own finest teas, without middlemen or inflated prices.

What Makes Dorje Teas Different

1. Estate-Direct Access – Tea plucked, processed, and packed right at Selim Hill.
2. Premium Quality for India – No more exporting the best leaves abroad; Indians get the finest first flush.
3. Variety for Modern Lifestyles – Loose leaf for purists, pyramid bags for convenience, cold brew for experimentation.
4. Sustainability – Protecting biodiversity across 370 hectares, with 170 under tea cultivation and the rest preserved as forest cover.
5. Community-Centric – Supporting over 350 families who have tended these slopes for generations.

Second Chance House

At the heart of Dorje’s story is the Second Chance House—once a colonial bungalow, now a creative hub. Artists, writers, and collaborators gather here, leaving behind poems, paintings, and ideas. It embodies Dorje’s philosophy: when you give something a second chance, it becomes more than it ever was.

The Founders

• Sparsh Agarwal – Visionary rooted in Darjeeling’s hills, determined to revive Selim Hill.
• Shrey Agarwal – Deeply connected to the estate’s legacy, with an instinctive understanding of tea.
• Ishaan Kanoria – Entrepreneurial partner, helping scale Dorje’s mission across India.

Together, they blend heritage, innovation, and community to craft a brand that is both soulful and disruptive.

Impact & Vision

Dorje Teas is more than a beverage—it’s a movement. By reclaiming Darjeeling’s finest teas for Indian consumers, they are:

• Reviving a historic estate.
• Sustaining livelihoods of hundreds of families.
• Preserving biodiversity in the Himalayan slopes.
• Reintroducing tea as a cultural experience, not just a commodity.

Conclusion

Dorje Teas is thunder in a teacup—bold, alive, and rooted in second chances. Founded by Sparsh Agarwal and Ishaan Kanoria, with the legacy of Selim Hill behind them, Dorje is redefining how India experiences Darjeeling tea.