The Day 2 of the International Conference on Gifted Education (ICGE) 2024, themed “Illuminate India: Creating Connections for Gifted Education Stakeholders,” took place at the Smt. Shakuntala Jagannath Shetty Auditorium in Pune. This event brought together educators, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners who share a passion for nurturing gifted individuals. The conference aimed to foster discussion and collaboration on the challenges and opportunities in gifted education in India.
Mrs. Bhakti Joshirao, the compere for the morning session, welcomed the dignitaries, presenters and participants for Day two of the conference. The day began with a short cultural programme by the students of Dr. Kalmadi Shamrao High School, Ganesh Nagar. The students recited ‘The River Song’ which highlighted the importance of our integral natural resource-the rivers of India.. This set a warm atmosphere for the attendees. Following this, a film highlighted various talent development initiatives, illustrating their impact on gifted students. These opening segments aimed to inspire and emphasize the importance of recognizing talent. The documentary highlighted the unique efforts of the Kaveri Group of Institutes and KGERC to promote gifted education
Dr. Paromita Roy, Deputy Director of JBNSTS in Kolkata, delivered the keynote address. Dr. Sujala Watve was the session chair for this programme. Dr.Roy focused on creating enabling environments for Buddhiman students. Her presentation stressed the need for educational institutions to adopt practices that support the unique learning styles and emotional needs of these learners. Dr. Roy advocated for a holistic approach that balances academic challenges with social and emotional support.
Next, Dr. Mukulika Thatte, School Supervisor and Science teacher at Jnana Prabodhini, discussed the importance of mentoring in education. She shared effective strategies for guiding gifted individuals on their academic and personal journeys. Dr. Thatte emphasized building strong mentor-mentee relationships that foster growth and self-discovery. Mrs. Sumati Shrinivasan was the session chair for this address.
The conference then featured a virtual keynote address by Dr. Manabu Sumida from Ehime University in Japan. He introduced innovative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) practices for gifted young children. His presentation showcased a special program that combines creativity with scientific inquiry. Integration of similar methodologies in classrooms were discussed in detail.
Several parallel sessions of paper presentations allowed researchers to present their findings on various topics related to gifted education. Dr. Heidrun Soeger, Dr Sujala Watve, Dr, Meenakshi Gokhale, Dr,Pranita Jagtap were the session chairs in the classrooms. These sessions created a collaborative environment where participants exchanged insights and explored new approaches.
The afternoon included two panel discussions. The first focused on collaboration among stakeholders in the performing arts. Esteemed speakers like Padma Shri Anupama Hoskere, Mr. Sandeep Ranade, Ms. Navia Natrajan,Bharatanatyam Dancer and Guru, Mrs. Nidhi Mehta, Bharatnatyam Dancer and Guru emphasized the need for partnerships to nurture artistic talent. They discussed how a cohesive approach to arts education can support the development of gifted individuals.
The second panel comprising of Mr. Shekhar Hardikar, Leader, The Galaxy Education System, Gujarat, Mrs. Neelima Valiveti, Science Center Coordinator, Silver Oaks International School, Hyderabad, Dr. Mukulika Thatte, Supervisor, JPP, Teacher of Biology, Pune, Mrs. Ragini Naik, Coordinator of 9th and 10th, JPP, Pune, Pursuing PhD, Teacher of English, Mrs. Pallavi Iyer, Educator and Gifted Facilitator, Dr. Kalmadi Shamarao High School, Pune and Mrs. Mithila Joshi, Sr. supervisor, Educator, Dr. Kalmadi Shamarao High School, Pune addressed creating effective classroom environments for Buddhimaan students—those who are exceptionally gifted. Dr. Paromita Roy was the moderator for the session. Educators shared their experiences and strategies for fostering supportive learning spaces. Topics included differentiated instruction and inclusive practices. The panellists highlighted the importance of adapting teaching methods to meet the needs of gifted learners.
For the closing of the conference, Dr. Harinath Chakrapani, Professor at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, attended as the chief guest, along with Dr. Vijay Mandke, Founding Professor and Mentor at the University of NIMRANA, Rajasthan, as the distinguished guest. Also present were Kushal Hegde, President of the Kannada Sangha; Malati Kalmadi, Chairperson of the organizing committee; Dr. Chandrahas Shetty, trustee; Radhika Sharma, co-treasurer; Dr. Mukta Karmarkar, Principal, Kaveri College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Pune; and Dr. Devasena Desai, co-organizer of the conference, among other dignitaries. Dr. Devasena Desai presented an overview of the conference. The program was hosted by Dr. Pooja Ambole.
On the occasion of this international conference, Dr. Ushatai Khire, eminent psychologist, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her lifelong contributions to the field of gifted education. Dr. Khire has made significant contributions in areas such as creativity and intelligence, human potential, educational psychology, and psychotherapy.
The conference also honored educational experts who presented excellent research papers on various topics, as well as awarded prizes for outstanding poster presentations. Dr. Narayan Desai of Tribal Mensa Nurturing Program, Ms Kasturi Hapse of KGERC and Mrs. Manisha Girolkar of Kalmadi Shamrao High School were jointly presented with the Best Paper Presentation. Mr. Abarish Kulkarni and Mr. Akshay Kulkarni of Jnana Prabodhini Prashala were presented with the Best Presentation Award.
Chief guest Dr. Harinath Chakrapani delivered his presidential address through a PPT presentation. Malati Kalmadi, the chair of the conference, highlighted key points in her closing speech. Dr. Mukta Karmarkar, the inviting principal, expressed gratitude to the attendees and conveyed satisfaction that the main objective of the conference was successfully achieved. Dr. Muckta Karmarkar presents the vote of thanks.
Overall, the second day of ICGE 2024 was filled with inspiring discussions and a strong sense of community. The conference illuminated key issues and fostered connections that will benefit the field of gifted education in the future. Attendees left motivated to create a more inclusive and supportive educational landscape for gifted individuals.
