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 dancer, Carnatic vocalist, poet, writer, and researcher, whose career beautifully blends art, education, and culture.
Together, we explore the intersection of giftedness and performing arts, with valuable insights for both parents and teachers.
In this episode, we discuss:
How to identify giftedness in performing arts, especially dance
Approaches to nurturing talent using a holistic blend of Dance, Abhinaya, and Panchakosha
The role of parents and schools in supporting young dancers
The significance of pursuing a professional degree in performing arts while honoring the Guru-Shishya Parampara
The evolving role of classical dance in modern times, and its importance in preserving Indian culture
Striking a balance between encouragement and pressure—especially in the age of social media
This conversation shines a light on the unique challenges and joys of raising and teaching artistically gifted children.
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Being Gifted podcast is produced by Partners in Upbringing LLP for KGERC, hosted and supported by the KGERC team - Malathi Kalmadi, Dr. Devasena Desai and Dr. Sameena Manaswala.
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 emotional and academic journey
The role of families in planning for higher studies, finances, and timelines
Why it’s important to talk openly about failure and ambition
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Useful Links:
To Order Our Book - Nurturing Buddhimaan Children: A practical guide for caregivers, Whatsapp 9130077122.
*Being Gifted podcast has been produced by Partners in Upbringing LLP for KGERC.
Hosts Kalyani Vaidya and Himani Kanitkar
Supported by KGERC Team: Mrs. Malathi Kalmadi Dr. Devasena Desai Dr. Sameena Manaswala
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 mindset to support their emotional and learning needs.
Through her lived experiences, she reminds us that parenting these children is not just about supporting their strengths but also about protecting your own well-being, embracing differences, and staying flexible in your approach.
In this episode, we discuss:
It’s an honest, relatable conversation for parents walking a less-traveled path.
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Useful Links:To Order Our Book - Nurturing Buddhimaan Children: A practical guide for caregivers, Whatsapp 9130077122.
*Being Gifted podcast has been produced by Partners in Upbringing LLP for KGERC. Hosts Kalyani Vaidya and Himani Kanitkar
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. Vidya Iyengar—a life coach and a parent of a 2E child. Vidya has successfully homeschooled her daughter, who is now 18 and pursuing a degree in Physics at Melbourne University, Australia. She shares her experiences, challenges, and insights on advocating for neurodivergent children in school, family, and community settings.
Key points discussed:
Guest Speaker: Vidya Iyengar – Life coach, advocate for neurodivergent children, and parent of a 2E child.
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Useful Links:To Order Our Book - Nurturing Buddhimaan Children: A practical guide for caregivers, Whatsapp 9130077122.
#GiftedEducation #HighAbility #PartnersInUpBringing #Parenting
Join us for a special conversation with Abhijit Jejurikar, a self-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 the corporate world to creating a vibrant platform for slum kids to express their creativity through music and dance. With over 350 performances alongside stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Ed Sheeran, and Salman Khan, Abhijit is not just changing lives—he's redefining what it means to give back.
🎤 Discover:
Tune in for an inspiring story of creativity, resilience, and social change!
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#DharaviReloaded #AbhijitJejurikar #MusicForChange #SocialEntrepreneurship #EmpowerYouth #SlumToStage #CreativeImpact #InspiringStories #JunkPercussion #CommunityArt #YouthEmpowerment #DharaviRocks #ArtWithPurpose #MusicEducation #ChangeMakers #BeingGifted #Giftedsocialentrepreneur
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 Shobha Channal.
Highlights of the episode:
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#BeingGiftedPodcast #GiftedProgram #StudentVoices #YouthEmpowerment #SocioEmotionalLearning #MentorshipMatters #GiftedEducation #PersonalGrowth #CuriousMinds #PuneEducation #FutureLeaders #EmotionalIntelligence
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 episode include:
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#GiftedEducation #MathematicallyGifted #ParentingTips #ChildDevelopment #GiftedKids #EducationMatters #MathematicsEducation #RaisingGiftedChildren #MentorshipMatters
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
• Growth as a Gifted Educator
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This podcast is produced by Partners in UpBringing and hosted by Himani and Kalyani.
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 episode she speaks about:
- Common socio emotional challenges amongst Gifted Adolescents
- Approach as teachers to these high ability students
- Planning and execution of the Gifted Nurturing Program
- Role of a mentor Vs teacher
- Meeting the social emotional needs of gifted children
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Podcast Hosts - Kalyani Vaidya and Himani Kanitkar - Co-Founders, Partners in UpBringing
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 experience and is armed with advanced training from KGERC in Gifted Counseling,
Do listen to the entire episode and if you like it, leave us a 5 Star Rating on the platform you are listening to
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#GiftedKids #Parenting #TeenCounseling #AdolescentDevelopment #GiftedEducation #ParentingTips #MentalHealth #Teenagers #GiftedAndTalented #ParentingPodcast #AdolescentCounseling #GiftedYouth #TeenTherapy #ParentingJourney #TeenDevelopment #GiftedEducation #SupportingGiftedKids
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 journey is marked by her Ph.D. in physical chemistry and her notable achievement of a Fulbright scholarship in secondary education and teaching from Arizona State University.
In this episode she speaks about:
- Views about High Ability students
- Leading the Gifted Program at junior college
- Challenges and Joys of working with the youngsters
- Current Gifted Program model
Do listen to the entire episode and if you like it, leave us a 5 Star Rating on the platform you are listening to!
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*Being Gifted podcast has been produced by Partners in Upbringing LLP (www.partnersinupbringing.com) for KGERC.
#GiftedEducation #TeacherTraining#EducationLeadership
#InSchoolPrograms #GiftedStudents #EducationalDevelopment #TeacherLeadership #SchoolInnovation #GiftedLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment
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 British Council's ELISS. She was awarded the Fulbright Fellowship in 2012 at the university of Maryland, USA.
In this episode we talk about:
Do listen to the entire episode and if you like it, leave us a 5 Star Rating on the platform you are listening to!
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Do write to us on gifted.admin@kaveri.edu.in.
*Being Gifted podcast has been produced by Partners in Upbringing LLP (www.partnersinupbringing.com) for KGERC.
#GiftedEducation #TeacherTraining#EducationLeadership
#InSchoolPrograms #GiftedStudents #EducationalDevelopment #TeacherLeadership #SchoolInnovation #GiftedLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment
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
Do listen to the entire episode and if you like it, leave us a 5 Star Rating on the platform you are listening to!
This is the last episode of Season 1. We will be launching season 2 soon.
You can listen to us on Spotify, Apple and Google podcasts.
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Do write to us on gifted.admin@kaveri.edu.in.
*Being Gifted podcast has been produced by Partners in Upbringing LLP (www.partnersinupbringing.com) for KGERC.
#gifted #giftededucation #partnersinupbringing #beinggifted #kaverigiftededucationandresearchcenter #kaverigiftedcenter #friendshipsforgifted #friendshipsforgiftedchildren #friendswithgifted #schoolingofrgiftedchildren #higherability
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
Do listen to the entire episode and if you like it, leave us a 5 Star Rating on the platform you are listening to!
We will be coming up with one Spirituality for Gifted Children - Part II soon on 28th December 2022.
You can listen to us on Spotify, Apple and Google podcasts.
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Do write to us on gifted.admin@kaveri.edu.in.
*Being Gifted podcast has been produced by Partners in Upbringing LLP (Instagram @partnersinupbringing) for KGERC.
#gifted #giftededucation #partnersinupbringing #beinggifted #kaverigiftededucationandresearchcenter #kaverigiftedcenter #friendshipsforgifted #friendshipsforgiftedchildren #friendswithgifted #schoolingofrgiftedchildren #higherability
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:
Do listen to the entire episode, share your comments and if you like it, leave us a 5 Star Rating on the platform you are listening to!
You can listen to us on Spotify, Apple and Google podcasts.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @kaverigiftededucationcentre
Do write to us on gifted.admin@kaveri.edu.in.
*Being Gifted podcast has been produced by Partners in Upbringing LLP (Instagram @partnersinupbringing) for KGERC.
#gifted #giftededucation #partnersinupbringing #beinggifted #kaverigiftededucationandresearchcenter #kaverigiftedcenter #friendshipsforgifted #friendshipsforgiftedchildren #friendswithgifted #schoolingofrgiftedchildren #higherability
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 we have discussed are:
Do listen to the entire episode, share your comments and if you like it, leave us a 5 Star Rating on the platform you are listening to!
You can listen to us on Spotify, Apple and Google podcasts.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @kaverigiftededucationcentre
Do write to us on gifted.admin@kaveri.edu.in.
*Being Gifted podcast has been produced by Partners in Upbringing LLP (Instagram @partnersinupbringing) for KGERC.
#gifted #giftededucation #partnersinupbringing #beinggifted #kaverigiftededucationandresearchcenter #kaverigiftedcenter #friendshipsforgifted #friendshipsforgiftedchildren #friendswithgifted #schoolingofrgiftedchildren #higherability
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 shared with you, 5 pearls of wisdom that are highly effective while nurturing gifted children, by Devasena Desai. Dr. Devasena Desai, is an associate director at KGERC and an adjunct lecturer at Iowa, university, USA. She has been working in the gifted domain for the last 15 years. Many of you might have listened to her in our 2nd episode when we discussed What and Why of Giftedness.
Points covered:
1. Observation & Alertness
2. Opportunities and Exposure
3. Instructions Vs Conversations
4. Single Focus & Holistic
5. Handling anxiety & joy
Do listen to the entire episode, share your comments and if you like it, leave us a 5 Star Rating on the platform you are listening to!
You can listen to us on Spotify, Apple and Google podcasts. We will be releasing a new episode on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @kaverigiftededucationcentre
Do write to us on gifted.admin@kaveri.edu.in.
*Being Gifted podcast has been produced by Partners in Upbringing LLP (Instagram @partnersinupbringing) for KGERC. #gifted #giftededucation #partnersinupbringing #beinggifted #kaverigiftededucationandresearchcenter #kaverigiftedcenter #friendshipsforgifted #friendshipsforgiftedchildren #friendswithgifted #schoolingofrgiftedchildren
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 child that he or she may end up being a loner and not having friends at all. Will they have people around who understand them? Will they enjoy with children like other normal kids? This is a common feeling especially amongst the parents of younger age group.
So today, we are in conversation with 2 gifted individuals, Rohan Ghatpande and Rukmini Sinha to understand and learn from their personal experiences in the area of friendship, what affected them, how did they learn through experiences and how did they find their friends and their happiness.
Rohan works in a consulting firm. He has graduated in mechanical engineering with honors in thermal engineering. HE is very passionate about Music and has been learning to play the piano for over 16 years now. Rohan has completed Grade 8 in Piano and Theory of Music from Trinity College London and he also teaches Piano to kids on weekends.
Rukmini works at an animation studio as a storyboard artist. She has graduated with a Bachelor's in Animation from LISAA, a design and animation school in Paris. When she is not working she does something that is totally unrelated to drawing like cooking something new or practicing foreign languages and recently she even learnt skateboarding with a friend!
The key aspects we covered today in our conversation are:
And much more
Do listen to the entire episode, share your comments and if you like it, leave us a 5 Star Rating on the platform you are listening to!
You can listen to us on Spotify, Apple and Google podcasts. We will be releasing a new episode on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @kaverigiftededucationcentre
Do write to us on gifted.admin@kaveri.edu.in.
*Being Gifted podcast has been produced by Partners in Upbringing LLP (Instagram @partnersinupbringing) for KGERC. #gifted #giftededucation #partnersinupbringing #beinggifted #kaverigiftededucationandresearchcenter #kaverigiftedcenter #friendshipsforgifted #friendshipsforgiftedchildren #friendswithgifted
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 leaving the other regular cars behind.
F1 cars can run so fast because they have a good TEAM - of technicians, engineers, scientists, metal health coaches and sponsors to support them and tune their engines - and most importantly to avoid accidents.
As a society, as parents and teachers to gifted children, it is our responsibility to create this ecosystem to guide them along the path. but the question remains how to create one?
Today, we are once again by joined by Ms. Chitra Ramaswany from Bangalore. All of us have heard her in the last episode on ‘Schooling for gifted children’. She is a mother to 16 year old Shankar.
Points covered:
- Finding a mentor/ educator/ mental health professional for the gifted child
- Meeting the emotional needs
- Using the available resources and infrastructure
- taking help of school and teachers
- Being a part of groups of gifted and non gifted children of different ages
And more Do listen to the entire episode, share your comments and if you like it, leave us a 5 Star Rating on the platform you are listening to!
You can listen to us on Spotify, Apple and Google podcasts. We will be releasing a new episode on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @kaverigiftededucationcentre
Do write to us on gifted.admin@kaveri.edu.in.
*Being Gifted podcast has been produced by Partners in Upbringing LLP (Instagram @partnersinupbringing) for KGERC. #gifted #giftededucation #partnersinupbringing #beinggifted #kaverigiftededucationandresearchcenter #kaverigiftedcenter #friendshipsforgifted #friendshipsforgiftedchildren #friendswithgifted #schoolingofrgiftedchildren
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 -
To understand their challenges and to know how teachers and parents can help gifted children adjust in the normal school setup, today we are joined by a parent who has experienced all these challenges first hand, Ms. Chitra Ramaswany from Bangalore. She is a mother to 16 year old Shankar, who is gifted in STEM area and has published a paper in the Young scientist journal UK at the age of 16.
We have discussed about:
And more
Do listen to the entire episode, share your comments and if you like it, leave us a 5 Star Rating on the platform you are listening to!
You can listen to us on Spotify, Apple and Google podcasts. We will be releasing a new episode on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @kaverigiftededucationcentre
Do write to us on gifted.admin@kaveri.edu.in.
*Being Gifted podcast has been produced by Partners in Upbringing LLP (Instagram @partnersinupbringing) for KGERC. #gifted #giftededucation #partnersinupbringing #beinggifted #kaverigiftededucationandresearchcenter #kaverigiftedcenter #friendshipsforgifted #friendshipsforgiftedchildren #friendswithgifted #schoolingofrgiftedchildren