Ranveer Verma, a senior at Penn High School in Granger, already is showing his entrepreneurial spirit.
He is on a mission to help his peers become more civically engaged and help those in need.
He recently started Civiforum, an initiative that provides civic education. His five workshops averaged 76 participants each.
He also is working with staff at seven Penn-Harris-Madison School Corp. schools to bring hygiene kits to students in need. He calls it Project HyKit.
“Hygiene insecurity is a rarely discussed obstacle to students’ confidence, well-being, and participation at school,” he said.
He already has assembled 300 of the personal-care kits. He started both projects in 2024.
He hopes to expand each program's reach by collaborating with students, educators and community organizations.
Verma has high expectations for his initiatives and future. He serves on the Indiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council, the Indiana Department of Health’s Youth Advisory Board and the Mishawaka Mayor’s Youth Council.
He plans to attend Princeton University or the University of Notre Dame to study government, public policy and economics.
Question: What are your mission statements:
Answer: Civiforum bridges the gap between young people and civic engagement by making civic education more accessible, interactive, and empowering. Through workshops, discussions and opportunities to connect with elected officials. Civiforum encourages students to become informed and active participants in their communities. Project HyKit was created to combat hygiene insecurity by providing students with free access to essential hygiene products in schools. Through partnerships with local schools, Project HyKit works to ensure that no student’s education, dignity or well-being is compromised by a lack of basic necessities.
Q: What was the catalyst for the business:
A: Both initiatives emerged from my belief that young people shouldn’t have to wait until adulthood to address the problems affecting their communities. For Civiforum, I recognized a disconnect between young people and the political decisions shaping their futures. Too often, students are discouraged from participating in political conversations because of their age. I wanted to challenge that notion by creating a platform where young people could learn about government, engage in meaningful discussions and make their voices heard. Project HyKit was inspired by my experiences advocating for individuals facing hygiene insecurity. I realized that while education is often described as the great equalizer, many students lack access to basic hygiene necessities that allow them to feel comfortable and confident in school. I wanted to create a sustainable solution that addressed this issue directly within our local schools.
Q: What is a goal for the future?
A: My long-term goal is to expand both initiatives beyond my local community. For Civiforum, I hope to establish a nationwide network of student-led civic education programs that empower young people to understand and participate in the democratic process. For Project HyKit, I envision a future where every school has a reliable and accessible supply of hygiene necessities for students who need them. Ultimately, I hope to work with policymakers to develop sustainable solutions that address hygiene insecurity on a larger scale.
Q: Who helped you along the way?
A: Although both initiatives are independently operated, their success would not have been possible without the support of my community. I’m especially grateful to the teachers, school administrators, and community leaders who believed in my ideas and helped me bring them to life. The administrators across the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corp. have been instrumental in helping Project HyKit reach students. I’m also thankful for the mentors and public officials I’ve encountered through my involvement in youth government and public service. Their guidance has reinforced my belief that age should never determine someone’s ability to make a difference.
Q: A book, movie, TV show that inspired you?
A: “The Pursuit of Happyness” (released in 2006). What resonates with me most about this film is its message of perseverance. It demonstrates that circumstances do not have to define someone’s future and that meaningful accomplishments often require persistence in the face of uncertainty. As a young entrepreneur, I’ve learned that having an idea is only the beginning. The real challenge is remaining committed to that idea, even when resources are limited or progress seems slow.
Q: Favorite inspirational quote?
A: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi
This quote reflects the philosophy behind both of my initiatives. I’ve always believed that leadership isn’t necessarily about holding a title or receiving recognition. It’s about recognizing a problem, taking responsibility and using whatever resources you have to make someone’s life better.
Our Entrepreneurship Q&A spotlights the bold thinkers and doers shaping the future of the Region. We hear from local entrepreneurs who are turning ideas into impact — sharing their insights, challenges and the stories behind their businesses. The column celebrates innovation right here at home. To nominate an entrepreneur, email the editor at news@michianabusinessnews.com.
