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 (KGERC), Pune. A psychologist, researcher, counsellor and mentor, Dr. Sameena has spent over 15 years working closely with gifted children and their families. Her students have grown from school to university and into their professional lives, giving her a unique perspective on why gifted individuals often need guidance throughout their journey.

Together, we explore the difference between mentoring and counselling, why both are essential, and how the right support system can help gifted children thrive—not just academically, but emotionally and socially.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why gifted and high-achieving students need mentors, even into adulthood.
• The difference between mentoring and counselling.
• Common socio-emotional challenges such as perfectionism, imposter syndrome, multipotentiality, loneliness and belonging.
• How parents can create a nurturing environment and recognise early signs that their child may need additional support.
• The role of extended family members, teachers and trusted adults as mentors.
• What parents should look for when choosing a mentor or counsellor for their child.
• How schools can build effective mentoring and counselling ecosystems to support gifted learners.

Whether you are a parent, educator, school counsellor or mentor, this conversation offers practical insights into building long-term support systems that help gifted children flourish as individuals—not just as achievers.

If you enjoyed this episode, do share it with someone who is raising, teaching or supporting a gifted child. And don't forget to follow Being Gifted for more conversations on nurturing exceptional 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: gifted.admin@kaveri.edu.in 📖 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

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 her interests, the challenges of pursuing a niche field, and the stereotypes she had to overcome as a woman in science.

We explore: -

How parents can support children with unique interests

What it takes to build a meaningful career in STEM?

- The power of curiosity, persistence and purpose

- Life lessons for students who want to take the road less travelled

Dr. Rajani is currently an Assistant Professor at Savitribai Phule Pune University and a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship.This episode is a powerful reminder that giftedness is not just about talent — but about having the courage to stay true to your calling.

✨ 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 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

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: gifted.admin@kaveri.edu.in 📖 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