In this episode of Being Gifted, we speak with Dr. Rajani Panchang — an oceanography & marine geologist, researcher and academician who chose an unconventional path and find out her challenges and how she persisted through them.

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 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 related to giftedness, nurturing bright children and setting up gifted education in schools.

To Order Our Book - Nurturing Buddhimaan Children: A practical guide for caregivers, Whatsapp 9130077122.

*Being Gifted podcast has been produced by Kalyani Vaidya and Himani Kanitkar from Partners in Upbringing LLP for KGERC.

Devasena Desai, Sameena Manaswala, 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

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: 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 - Dr Devasena Desai, Sameena Manaswala and Malati Kalmadi

Hosts Himani & Kalyani