Being Gifted

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 away from a career in the US, returning to India, and choosing presence over professional growth.
The family focused deeply on the early years, building strong foundations of values, discipline, and emotional security.Mihir’s journey reflects that intent — from achievements across academics, technology, and service, to making unconventional choices like moving away from science despite excelling in it, and pursuing CA and CFA with clarity and commitment.But beyond the milestones, this episode explores what truly shapes a child’s journey — mentorship, exposure, discipline, and the space to grow at their own pace.
A grounded, thoughtful conversation for parents navigating similar questions.In this episode, we explore:
- Parenting children with multiple interests
- Emphasis on building a strong value system in early childhood.
- The role of mentors beyond parents
- Building discipline through experiences like sports
- Helping children make confident decisions without pressure
- Why failure matters as much as success
For parents who are…
- Wondering how to support a child with many strengths
- Struggling with career decisions and expectations
- Looking to raise resilient, self-aware children. This is a powerful conversation for parents, educators, and anyone raising or supporting a child with unique potential.

✨ Listen to the full episode, and if it resonates with you, please leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!📲
Follow us: @kaverigiftededucationcentre (Facebook & Instagram)✉️ Write to us: [email protected] 📖 To order our book Nurturing Buddhimaan Children: A Practical Guide for Caregivers – WhatsApp 9130077122Being Gifted podcast is produced by Partners in Upbringing LLP for KGERC, hosted and supported by the KGERC team - Dr. Devasena Desai , Dr. Sameena Manaswala and Malati Kalmadi

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 respected educator. What makes his journey especially inspiring is how seamlessly he brings together two worlds that are rarely spoken about in the same breath — music and technology.
A former software engineer at Google, with a Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University, Sandeep went on to create Naad Sadhana — an app that uses Artistic Intelligence to create a 27-instrument live orchestra in real time.
In 2021, it received the prestigious Apple Design Award for Innovation — becoming the second Indian app to receive this honour, and the first in Indian music, art, and culture.
Beyond this, as an educator and founder of Endless Evolution, Sandeep works on building success habits and nurturing creative, multidisciplinary thinking.

✨ In this episode, we explore:
- Building an unconventional path rooted in passion and purpose
- Navigating self-doubt and external pressures
- What schools and parents can do differently to nurture talent
- Blending creativity with technology to create new possibilities
This is a powerful conversation for parents, educators, and anyone raising or supporting a child with unique potential.
✨ Listen to the full episode, and if it resonates with you, please leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
📲 Follow us: @kaverigiftededucationcentre (Facebook & Instagram)
✉️ Write to us: [email protected]
📖 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 -  Dr Devasena Desai, Sameena Manaswala and Malati Kalmadi
Hosts Himani & Kalyani

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: [email protected]
📖 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.

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

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 [email protected] 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
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:
Why unlearning traditional parenting norms is crucial

How to develop a mindset that supports both the child and parent

Real-life moments that led to emotional growth

The impact of this shift on her parenting journey

It’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 [email protected] 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