Giftedness in the Indian context: nurturing exceptional potential

Authors

  • Rachana Gopalakrishna Developmental Pediatrician, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20263831

Keywords:

Giftedness , Pediatrician, Gifted children

Abstract

As a developmental pediatrician, I’ve had the privilege of meeting children whose abilities are nothing short of extraordinary. These children might be the ones who read books meant for older kids, solve complex problems with ease, or create art that leaves you awestruck. They are often described as gifted but in India, this label isn’t always understood or embraced. Many gifted children go unnoticed, and as a result, their exceptional abilities remain untapped. Their needs aren't met, and their potential stays hidden. The time has come to recognize and nurture these gifted children.

Author Biography

Rachana Gopalakrishna, Developmental Pediatrician, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

MBBS,DCH, Fellowship in Neuro Developmental & Behavioural Pediatrics - Bangalore

References

Renzulli JS. The three-ring conception of giftedness: A developmental model for promoting creative productivity. In: Sternberg RJ, Davidson JE, editors. Conceptions of Giftedness. 2nd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2005:246-279.

National Association for Gifted Children. What Is Giftedness? Washington, DC: NAGC; n.d. Available at: https://nagc.org/what-is-giftedness. Accessed on 17 May 2026.

National Association for Gifted Children. Nurturing the Social and Emotional Development of Gifted Children: Position Statement. Washington, DC: NAGC; 2025.

Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. National Education Policy 2020. New Delhi: Government of India; 2020.

National Institute of Advanced Studies. NIAS–Education for the Gifted and Talented (NIAS–EGT). Bengaluru: NIAS; n.d. Available at: https://cms.nias.res.in/node/1791. Accessed on 17 May 2026.

Schmitt JE, Lenroot RK, Wallace GL, Ordaz S, Taylor KN, Kabani N, et al. Identification of genetically mediated cortical networks: A multivariate study of pediatric twins and siblings. Cerebral Cortex. 2008;18(8):1737-47.

Geake JG. High ability learning and brain processes. In: Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Conference of the Australian Association for Research in Education; 2003. Melbourne, Australia; 2003.

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text rev. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2022.

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Published

2026-10-27

How to Cite

Gopalakrishna, R. (2026). Giftedness in the Indian context: nurturing exceptional potential. International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics, 13(11), 2386–2388. https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20263831

Issue

Section

Letter to the Editor