Calling Delhi singles to Rappo

New and unusual clubs have come up in Delhi in recent times. Rappo, the Delhi singles club is one such.

Rappo, derived from rapport – a synonym for camaraderie and friendship, follows a hybrid model where single people between 19 to 35, register online and after a thorough screening followed by an in-person assessment, are invited to events where they meet and interact while exploring common interests.

Akanksha S., a NIFT graduate, launched this invitation-only network in December 2011 with the idea of building a “social hangout zone for singles.”

Events such as cocktail-mixing, movie-screenings, photography workshops and cupcakes baking are organised for the members. Ak­an­ksha says, “We are not a dating site per se but provide an opportunity for young singles who have a limited social life to come together and share a special experience.”

Since it is strictly a singles club, what happens if one of the members starts dating another?

“Then he or she wouldn’t need us and therefore we have a 3-month paid membership plan. No user would pay us to use our services if they already have a close knit group or a special someone. This is also our way of determining the status, as the events are priced in that manner. People in unhappy relationships are also welc­o­me but we believe that it’s the singles who need this platf­o­rm the most.”

Since Rappo has organised only five-six events as yet, it takes time to get to know pe­o­ple. “We ensure memb­e­rs meet at least monthly so they get a chance to know each other organically. While no relationships have for­m­ed, many have thanked us saying they have made new friends and enjoyed the events.”

Rappo has members from from premier institutes such as IITs, IIMs, St. Stephens and NIFT as also professionals working across sectors such as finance, investment banking, consulting, IT and so on, besides a few entrepreneurs.

The venture is functional in Delhi-NCR and has over 300 members. Events are held at public places only, and are wrapped up before it gets too late in the evening.