Being Gifted

KGERC - Kaveri Gifted Education and Research Center, Pune, India

We aim to spread awareness about giftedness and help the parent’s and teacher's community to support and nurture children with higher ability. We connect you with students, parents, teachers, trainers and the pioneers of gifted education in India. The podcast is brought to you by Kaveri Gifted Education and Research Centre (KGERC) Pune, India. We have developed curriculum and courses for children and teachers to establish integrated systems within schools that identify and support the needs of gifted children. Visit www.kaveri.edu.in/kgec or Instagram @kaverigiftededucationcenter today.

  1. Ep#28 Nurturing Talent in Performing Arts

    09/11/2025

    Ep#28 Nurturing Talent in Performing Arts

    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. ✨ Listen to the full episode, and if it resonates with you, please leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! 📲 Follow us: @kaverigiftededucationcentre (Facebook & Instagram)✉️ Write to us: gifted.admin@kaveri.edu.in 📖 To order our book Nurturing Buddhimaan Children: A Practical Guide for Caregivers – WhatsApp 9130077122 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.

    20 min
  2. Ep#26 Parenting Mindset for Nurturing High Ability Children

    05/24/2025

    Ep#26 Parenting Mindset for Nurturing High Ability Children

    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: Why unlearning traditional parenting norms is crucialHow to develop a mindset that supports both the child and parentReal-life moments that led to emotional growthThe impact of this shift on her parenting journeyIt’s an honest, relatable conversation for parents walking a less-traveled path. Listen to the entire episode and if you like it, leave us a 5 Star Rating on the platform you are listening to! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @kaverigiftededucationcentre Do write to us on gifted.admin@kaveri.edu.in for any queries, help and comments. 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

    38 min
  3. Ep#25 Parenting Twice Exceptional Children with Vidya Iyengar

    02/19/2025

    Ep#25 Parenting Twice Exceptional Children with Vidya Iyengar

    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: Understanding Twice-Exceptional Children Challenges a regular schools need to address The Need for Advocacy Guest Speaker: Vidya Iyengar – Life coach, advocate for neurodivergent children, and parent of a 2E child. Do listen to the entire episode and if you like it, leave us a 5 Star Rating on the platform you are listening to! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @kaverigiftededucationcentre Do write to us on gifted.admin@kaveri.edu.in for any queries, help and comments. 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 #GiftedEducation #HighAbility #PartnersInUpBringing #Parenting

    29 min
  4. Ep#24 Social Entrepreneurship & Giftedness with Abhijit Jejurikar

    10/01/2024

    Ep#24 Social Entrepreneurship & Giftedness with Abhijit Jejurikar

    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 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: How he discovered his passion for musicThe challenges he faced on his unique pathHis experience mentoring young talents in India’s largest recycling hubThe incredible impact Dharavi Reloaded has had on the communityTune in for an inspiring story of creativity, resilience, and social change! Do listen to the entire episode and if you like it, leave us a 5 Star Rating on the platform you are listening to! 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 for  KGERC. Hosts ⁠Kalyani Vaidya⁠ and ⁠Himani Kanitkar⁠ #DharaviReloaded #AbhijitJejurikar #MusicForChange #SocialEntrepreneurship #EmpowerYouth #SlumToStage #CreativeImpact #InspiringStories #JunkPercussion #CommunityArt #YouthEmpowerment #DharaviRocks #ArtWithPurpose #MusicEducation #ChangeMakers #BeingGifted #Giftedsocialentrepreneur

    33 min
  5. Ep#23 Interaction with Gifted Students - Junior College

    09/01/2024

    Ep#23 Interaction with Gifted Students - Junior College

    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: Experience and Learning: Sharing their journey in the gifted program, highlighting the impact on their academic and personal lives.Projects and Assignments: Discussing specific projects that challenged her and provided significant learning experiences.Mentorship: The importance of having a mentor in the gifted program and the unique relationships both students have built with their mentors.Socio-Emotional Development: How the program's focus on socio-emotional growth has contributed to their personal development and well-being.Impact of the Program: Reflection on what they would have missed if they hadn’t joined the gifted program. Do listen to the entire episode and if you like it, leave us a 5 Star Rating on the platform you are listening to! 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 for  KGERC. Hosts ⁠Kalyani Vaidya⁠ and ⁠Himani Kanitkar⁠ #BeingGiftedPodcast #GiftedProgram #StudentVoices #YouthEmpowerment #SocioEmotionalLearning #MentorshipMatters #GiftedEducation #PersonalGrowth #CuriousMinds #PuneEducation #FutureLeaders #EmotionalIntelligence

    22 min

About

We aim to spread awareness about giftedness and help the parent’s and teacher's community to support and nurture children with higher ability. We connect you with students, parents, teachers, trainers and the pioneers of gifted education in India. The podcast is brought to you by Kaveri Gifted Education and Research Centre (KGERC) Pune, India. We have developed curriculum and courses for children and teachers to establish integrated systems within schools that identify and support the needs of gifted children. Visit www.kaveri.edu.in/kgec or Instagram @kaverigiftededucationcenter today.