Matches made on earth

Matches may be made in heaven but, more often than not, one may need an earthly intervention to make it happen. That explains the mushrooming of innumerable matchmaking agencies. Brainchild of 21-year-old Kalyani Khona, Wanted Umbrella is not just another matchmaking space. What distinguishes it is that it also caters to the differently-abled.

Khona says, "While researching to set up a matchmaking agency, I met this lady who worked with the Lion's Club in 1980. A matchmaker for those who were differently-abled, she told me about how there are hardly any agencies that cater to this need. Organisations think that setting up a wing to cater to them is complicated. The truth is, nothing is a barrier for the differently-abled—not language, caste, religion and background. All they need is companionship."

Currently, Wanted Umbrella caters to seven members, with six more in the pipeline. Khona says, "I decided to meet differently-abled people with the idea of bringing them together. Ever since I started, I have had an average of two to three meetings a day. When people get in touch with me, I send them a registration form and they revert with a detailed profile." The matches are not based on computer algorithms or horoscopes but on professions, interests and more. When there is a group of people with similar interests, Khona sets up a meeting for them. She shares, "I curate events for them so they get to know each other.

For instance, in our 'Share a Book' event, we bring together people who love reading, asking them to get one book. If they find someone interesting, they share the book with them, and can discuss the book further, in turn getting to know each other better."