Mahika Shishodia, Head of Education, Lodha Foundation
As India aims to become a developed economy by 2047, it must address multiple facets, including women’s development, health, education, skill development, advancements in science and technology, infrastructure creation, employment, agriculture, and the growth of manufacturing and industrial production. Science and technology will remain key enablers in achieving this goal.
While India has transitioned from an agrarian economy to one focused on the services sector, achieving exponential growth will require leadership in the next wave of science and technology. This can only be accomplished by becoming an innovator in the field rather than a follower. The United States and China have emerged as the top destinations for investors heavily investing in artificial intelligence, largely due to their human capital and the presence of top talent at their universities. These countries implement national “giftedness” programs designed to identify and support the brightest minds from an early age in areas such as academics and socio-emotional wellness. In contrast, while developed countries nurture their top talent, India grapples with issues of brain drain, leading to a shortage of “genius” human capital.
India does identify academically and intellectually gifted students through national-level Olympiads and scholarship exams like KVPY and NTSE, but this often results in mere financial aid and recognition. Top talent requires much more than that. Gifted students are not only academically bright; they possess creativity, divergent thinking, and the ability to solve complex problems with full commitment. This mindset is invaluable in a world that is changing at an unprecedented pace. The potential of gifted students extends beyond conventional measures of success, leading to breakthroughs in technology, science, and the arts. However, unlocking this potential requires a concerted effort to provide the right resources and opportunities.
Nurturing top talent necessitates an entire ecosystem rather than just a curriculum. It needs to create policies at the system level that prioritize the identification and nurturing of the gifted students. The education system must encourage research initiatives and foster inquisitiveness of young minds, a crucial parameter for advancements in science and technology. Focus on developing socio-emotional support and skills like team building, stress management, leadership, and communication skills is another important aspect in their nurturing process. The private sector must be invited to participate and build a strong public-private partnership to overcome the infrastructure and funding issues in the field of research and development.
A combination of such policy-level initiatives, specialized programs, challenging curriculum, mentorship, socio-emotional support, and public-private partnerships to foster research and development is imperative to create a nurturing environment for gifted individuals. By doing so, India can unlock a new level of growth driven by innovation and creativity, ultimately becoming a leader in the coming era.
