Figures show that more than 20 such women in Mumbai, at least 10 in Delhi and around 25 in Calcutta are at the core of a happy trend now beginning to create ripples in the mega cities of India. From what used to be a rare occurrence, applications from single mothers to adoption agencies are now pouring in. For many such women, the new-found family is like a dream come true. Sinha explains that these laws permit any adult to adopt a baby and there are no specifications about marital status. Since the law was never a hurdle, social workers feel the trend simply mirrors a greater openness in society.
Financial independence is the critical factor that helps women take such a decision.
As it happened to Nilima Jauhari who, at 40, finds her life changing. A road accident two years ago changed everything for the career woman. The months of painful recovery brought a new vulnerability and a desire to make her own life more meaningful. Today Anchal takes up all her spare time and has become the fulcrum of her existence. Jauhari staunchly believes it has all been possible because she is an emotionally and financially independent person, and also because her parents live with her.