Being Gifted

When we think of gifted and highly talented children, it's easy to assume they'll naturally find their way. But behind exceptional ability often lie unique emotional, social and developmental challenges that don't simply disappear with age. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Sameena Manasawala , Head of Gifted and Talented Education at Kaveri Gifted Education & Research Centre ( KG...

In this episode of Being Gifted, we speak with Dr. Rajani Panchang — an oceanography  & marine  geologist , researcher and academician who chose an unconventional path. From a conservative childhood to spending over 200 days at sea, Dr. Rajani shares her remarkable journey through oceanography, micropalaeontology and climate research. She opens up about the role her parents played in nurturing...

What does it really take to raise a child with multiple strengths — without rushing them into one path? In this episode, we sit down with Ajay Potnis and his son Mihir Potnis for an honest, layered conversation on parenting choices that don’t always look conventional — but make all the difference. Ajay shares how recognising his children’s multi-potential early on led to bold decisions — stepping...

Today, in our very first episode of Season 3, we’re excited to welcome an extraordinary guest — someone who beautifully describes himself as a Geek, Gayak, and Guru — Sandeep Ranade. Sandeep Ranade Website - www.sandeepranade.com; Sandeep Ranade Youtube Channel. = www. YouTube.com/sandeepranade A disciple of the legendary Pandit Jasraj, Sandeep is an accomplished vocalist, composer, and a deeply r...

When we think of giftedness, academics often come to mind first. But what about talent in the performing arts ? How do parents and educators recognize and nurture it? In this episode of Being Gifted , we are joined by Ms. Shashikala Gundlupet —an MBA, and a unique multidisciplinary Ph. D. scholar in Performing Arts, Gifted Education, and Management . She is also an accomplished Bharatanatyam dance...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Paromita Roy – psychologist and Deputy Director at Jagadis Bose National Science Talent Search (JBNSTS), Kolkata. With over 25 years of experience, she shares deep insights into nurturing gifted children, especially those passionate about science. We talk about: Why gifted kids often struggle with social connections How parents can support their child's em...

This episode of Being Gifted takes a meaningful turn—from understanding high ability to nurturing the right parenting mindset . Raising gifted or neurodivergent children often means breaking away from conventional methods and learning to see the world through their unique lens. We’re joined by Sowmyalaxmi , a parent of two exceptional children, who shares her personal journey of shifting her minds...

In this episode of Being Gifted , we explore the unique challenges and strengths of parenting twice-exceptional (2E) children—those who are gifted (Buddhimaan) while also facing developmental challenges such as ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or physical and mental health conditions. To help us understand this complex journey, we are joined by a very special guest, Ms. Vidy...

Join us for a special conversation with Abhijit Jejurikar, aself-taught musician and social entrepreneur on a mission to empower the youth of Dharavi through his incredible project, Dharavi Reloaded ! 🎶 In this episode, we explore Abhijit's journey from thecorporate world to creating a vibrant platform for slum kids to express their creativity through music and dance. With over 350 performanc...

In this episode we are in conversation with Junior College Students - Avani (Commerce) and Mehicka (Science), 12th-grade students at Dr. Kalmadi Shamarao Junior College, Pune, India, currently part of the gifted program. The gifted program at Dr. Kalmadi Shamarao Junior College has been running for 9 years, evolving into a key initiative under the guidance of Dr. Madhurchi Chittewan & Mrs Shob...

In today's episode, we chat with Mr. Vinay Nair, an expert in Mathematics and Gifted Education for over a decade. As the co-founder of Raising A Mathematician Foundation, Maths Circle (an initiative under RAM), Vichar Vatika, Epsilon India, and others, Vinay leads programs dedicated to identifying and nurturing highly motivated and gifted students in Mathematics. Topics discussed in this episo...

Today we have with us 2 senior teachers, Ms. Mithila Joshi and Ms. Palavi Iyer, who have contributed immensely to the successful running of gifted programs as a part of the core team at Dr. Kalmadi Shamarao High School, Pune, India. Key points discussed: • Finding Inspiration in Gifted Education • Designing a Curriculum for Gifted Learners • Gifted Program's Impact on Regular Class Teaching •...

In this episode we are joined by 2 educators Ms. Shobha Channal and Devika Deshpande who have shared valuable insights and personal experiences into fostering social-emotional learning among gifted adolescents. Together, we have uncovered practical strategies and approaches that teachers and parents can implement to support the emotional growth and well-being of these exceptional students. In this...

In this episode we are in conversation with the Counsellor of Dr. Shamrao Kalmadi Junior College , Pune, India, Smita Pradhan about what it is like to counsel gifted adolescent - grades 11 & 12. Ms. Smita Pradhan is  a masters in clinical psychology, a gifted counselor and core team member for the GIfted Nurturing Prorgam at Dr. Kalmadi Shamrao Junior College.  She has over a decade of experie...

In this episode we are in conversation with the Principal of Dr. Shamrao Kalmadi Junior College , Pune, India, Dr. Madhuri Chittewan about integration of Gifted Program  in Junior College - grades 11 & 12.  Dr. Madhuri Chittewan is  an accomplished educationist, renowned for her exemplary leadership as an administrator. She has two decades of experience in the field of education er academic jo...

In our first episode of Season 2 , we are joined by one of the believers and leader in initiating and implementing gifted program in the secondary school  - Mrs. Pallavi Naik.   Mrs. Pallavi is a principal of  Dr. Kalmadi Shamarao High School, Pune - Maharashtra.  As an educator she brings with her a rich experience of more than 3 decades as an educator. She is also a Master Trainer for RMSA and B...

How do we set our children on the path of spirituality? Today's podcast is hosted by Dr. Devasena Desai (Associate Director KGERC) and she is in conversation with our two distinguished guests - Dr. Shridhar Subbanna (Computer engineer, Founder Purnapramati School - Bangalore) and Mrs. Malati Kalmadi (Founder director of KGERC) and they have shared their knowledge and experiences about Why is it im...

What role does spirituality play in the life of gifted children? In this podcast we have with us not one but two distinguished guests - Dr. P. Vijayalaxmi (Masters in Medicine, Post graduate in Psychiatry) and  Mrs. Malati Kalmadi (Founder director of KGERC) sharing their knowledge and experiences on  Why is it important to have a spiritual base especially in the context of gifted childr...

How can parents find the right mentors for their gifted children?  On today's podcast we are joined by Ms. Sarita Dhimate. She is an artist, an art therapist, a clinical psychologist, a counselor and a design mentor who has mentored hundreds of students and their parents.  The points we have discussed are: How to know which mentor is good for your child Having multiple mentors Mentors an...

Mentors can make a huge impact on the lives of gifted children. They not only help the children explore in their area of giftedness, but also contribute towards their holistic development.  On today's podcast we are joined by Ms. Sarita Dhimate. She is an artist, an art therapist, a clinical psychologist, a counselor and a design mentor who has mentored hundreds of students.  The points...

Experiences and challenges that we face as parents while nurturing gifted children are very different than our peers. We may feel stuck and lonely as finding the right answers from the immediate support group may not be possible; we all know there may not be simple and direct answers. In such a situation, sharing tips that are easy to remember and apply come handy.   In this episode we have s...

Friends bring more happiness into our lives than virtually anything else . Friendships have a huge impact on your mental health. Good friends relieve stress, provide comfort, joy and make loneliness disappear! Having true friends is like having a treasure. However, friendships and social interaction may seem different and difficult for some gifted children. As parents, we may feel worried for our...

Creating an Eco System for Gifted children is like creating a lifeline for them. In the book ‘Brain Child’ by Tony Buzan this wonderful example of the importance of creating an ecosystem and how it is essential for the success of every individual…Tony has compared children to F1 cars. And especially when we are talking about children with higher ability, their brains can run at very high speeds le...

Schools are the backbone of our education system. Children are admitted to schools based on their physical age and not the mental ability… And this is exactly why gifted children may find it difficult to adjust themselves in schools because of void of the nurturing they should receive from the institution. Gifted kids face many problems in the school set up like - They show higher abilities and ar...

As  parents and teachers, we may notice that some gifted children are fidgety, restless, and get easily bored. They may have trouble sitting still, or staying quiet when needed. They may rush through things and make careless mistakes. They may climb, jump, or roughhouse when they shouldn't. And Without meaning to, they may act in ways which are disturbing for others. We casually label these c...