The SPA, though in its nascent stages now, will make it easier for single parents to turn to somebody for help. ``It will serve as a guiding light and provide non-judgemental understanding to the members,'' emphasises Aditi. The SPA has been founded for widowed or divorced men and women with children below 18 years as well as for people who are single and have adopted a child legally.

``The parent should be concerned about the welfare of the child, that is important,'' she says. ``The child stands to benefit immensely from such an association.'' The SPA members meet once a month, and discuss topics which will help their situation and present more insights into it.

``Since all the members find themselves more or less in the same situation, we have hit it off very well. All of us even went for a film this Sunday,'' she continues. ``Sundays, holidays and festivals are sensitive days, when most people are involved with their immediate families. In our case, it's just the parent and the kid who spend this time together.''

Another member, Aparna, has a five-year-old daughter, and works in a multinational bank. Neeta works in a software firm. Both believe that it has been a tremendous help for them to be able to vent their feelings and share ideas with other single parents.

Right now, the only gentleman amongst their midst is Shirish, who has a six-year-old son. He runs his own business and finds time to participate in the club activities. ``It's a great support system and there's fun and fellowship, a feeling of camaraderie, a place where we can simply talk our hearts out,'' he says enthusiastically.

Aditi, who has been the driving force behind the establishment of the ever-increasing circle, insists that ``we are going to help ourselves. We are not looking for sponsors and that is why we take nominal charges annually from everybody for administrative work.'' The association has several plans up its sleeve for the future. Picnics with the children and even counselling are some of the activities planned.

On March 31 and April 2, the SPA has arranged seminars at the YMCA, Quarter Gate, from 6 to 9 p.m. with Dr. Sudhir Arora of the HOPE Academy, who helps solve personal problems through self-development techniques, holding forth. Another opportunity for single parents to meet and examine issues close to their hearts.