Kohinoor always knew she wanted to be a mother, but she never saw biological parenting as her path. For her, adoption wasn’t just an option - it was the only way she truly envisioned motherhood. Today, she is the proud single mother of Isra, her one-year-old daughter.
’Every child deserves a family. I didn’t adopt out of moral obligation. I did it because I wanted to be a mother and give my child the best life possible,’ says Kohinoor.
Her journey to adoption started more than a decade ago, with a quiet but unwavering promise to herself. With a strong career, financial independence, and a supportive family, she knew she was ready to take this life-changing step.
But adoption in India comes with its own challenges. According to the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), an estimated 29.6 million children in India are orphaned or abandoned. Yet, only 3,000 to 4,000 are adopted each year.
’At any given time, there are not more than 2,200 children available for adoption, while 34,000 parents are waiting in line. The wait time after registering on CARA is currently around three and a half years,' Kohinoor explains.
The process is long and thorough - home visits, financial assessments, emotional evaluations. But for Kohinoor, the toughest part wasn’t the paperwork or the wait. It was facing society’s perceptions of single parenthood.
Breaking The Bias
Single parenting isn’t the challenge - breaking the bias around it is. ’Being a single parent means answering a lot of questions. People still hold onto the belief that a two-parent family is somehow better. But to me, parenting isn’t about numbers - it’s about love. It takes a village to raise a child.’
A Decade-Long Journey To Isra
Kohinoor remembers exactly where she was when she received the life-changing news. She was on a boat, fresh out of a scuba diving session, when she checked her phone.
’I saw the message and thought - ‘I need to catch the next flight back.’ My only thought was: How do I get to her?’ Under CARA’s system, prospective parents have 48 hours to accept a match. Kohinoor didn’t need that long. She said yes immediately. Isra was in Bihar, and within ten days, all the arrangements were made for their first meeting.
’The first time I saw her, I was mesmerised. I couldn’t believe she was finally here.’
Unlike biological parents, who get nine months to prepare for their child’s arrival, Kohinoor had been emotionally preparing for ten years. And yet, when the moment arrived, it was instant.
’People talk about an ‘aha’ moment, but for me, it just felt… right. She was mine.’
Isra Will Grow Up Knowing That Adoption Is Her Story
From the very beginning, Kohinoor has been clear: Isra will always know the truth about her story. ’I want her to grow up knowing her journey-it won’t be a secret.’
Talking about adoption to a young child requires thoughtful storytelling and simple, age-appropriate language. Kohinoor is committed to making sure Isra’s story is one of love and belonging.
’Parenting is a choice. Giving birth doesn’t automatically make you a parent. True parenting comes from the conscious decision to love, nurture, and raise a child.’
For Kohinoor and Isra, adoption isn’t just a part of their story - it is their story. A story built on love, commitment, and the belief that every child deserves a home.