The Overlooked Intellect: Why Gifted Children Are Being Left Behind

By lodha

In a world where education is often discussed in terms of access and equality, a quieter issue goes largely unacknowledged—the systematic neglect of children with exceptional intellectual potential. Gifted students, those with unusually high cognitive ability, are slipping through the cracks. Not due to a lack of aptitude or IQ testing, but because our current systems are ill-equipped to identify or support them.

This growing challenge is not marked by disruption or visible urgency. It is subtle, slow, and often invisible. And yet, its implications for the future of innovation, leadership, and excellence in India are profound.

When Potential Goes Unnoticed

Contrary to popular belief, gifted children do not always top their classes or exhibit perfect behaviour. They often underperform in environments that prioritise uniformity over imagination, and predictability over challenge. Boredom, frustration, or emotional intensity can lead to disengagement—sometimes even misdiagnosis.

Many are labelled aloof, inattentive, or even problematic. Others internalise their discomfort, withdrawing from social and academic settings. These children are not unwilling to learn—they are simply under-challenged, misread, or unsupported.

The Absence of a National Framework

India currently lacks a structured, nationwide approach to identifying or nurturing gifted learners. There is no formal screening at the primary level, no tailored teacher training, and little curriculum adaptation for advanced thinkers. In this vacuum, the intellectual needs of high-IQ children remain unaddressed, and their promise unrealised.

As a result, giftedness often becomes a burden rather than a gift—one that leaves students under-stimulated, emotionally isolated, and, in many cases, silently unfulfilled.

Pioneering a New Approach: The Lodha Genius Programme

Recognising this gap, the Lodha Genius Programme (LGP) was established to create a structured, empathetic, and world-class environment for high-ability learners. A pioneering initiative of the Lodha Foundation, LGP reflects the Foundation’s commitment to advancing educational equity by nurturing India's brightest young minds. The programme is grounded in the belief that gifted children deserve not only recognition but also a supportive ecosystem that fosters their intellectual and emotional growth. LGP represents a forward-thinking model that not only acknowledges giftedness but actively supports it—academically, emotionally, and socially.

The programme begins by shifting how gifted students are identified. Instead of relying solely on test scores, LGP adopts a comprehensive selection process—including aptitude screenings, educator feedback, and one-on-one interviews. This method uncovers students who may excel in less conventional ways, including abstract reasoning, accelerated learning, or creative problem-solving.

Once part of the programme, each student follows a personalised academic pathway tailored to their strengths. Subjects are taught with greater depth, interdisciplinary links are explored, and learning is enriched by international benchmarks such as MIT PRIMES, Oxford’s STEM initiatives, and PROMYS. LGP classrooms include maker spaces and research hubs, encouraging active inquiry and intellectual independence.

Supporting the Whole Learner

Giftedness is not confined to intellect—it often brings emotional intensity, heightened sensitivity, and asynchronous development. The Lodha Genius Programme addresses this through scholarships for students, structured counselling, peer support groups, and a strong emphasis on emotional literacy. By acknowledging the whole child—not just the high performer—LGP fosters true growth.

Moreover, the programme goes a step further by offering access to scholarships, career planning, and options for a university mentorship program. It opens doors to global academic opportunities while ensuring that no child’s ambitions are limited by financial or social circumstances.

A Community Approach to Talent

What makes LGP particularly impactful is its focus on community. Gifted education cannot exist in isolation—it must be supported by the adults who surround the child. To that end, LGP offers dedicated training sessions for parents and educators, helping them understand how to nurture, guide, and communicate with gifted children. These sessions address both theory and practice—bridging the gap between awareness and meaningful action.

Redefining the Future

The loss of gifted potential is not just a personal tragedy—it is a national one. In a country known for its intellectual capital, we cannot afford to let our most capable minds go under-stimulated and unnoticed. The Lodha Genius Programme sets a powerful precedent for what is possible when we actively seek to recognise and support the gifted.

This is not just about education. It is about creating an India where every form of brilliance is seen, valued, and given the chance to lead.

Because when gifted minds are nurtured, they don’t just thrive—they uplift everyone around them.