Date: 2024
Conference/Publication: Paper Presented at International Conference on Gifted Education (ICGE-2024)
Presenters/Authors: Darshita Mehta, Dr. Sameena Manasawala, Sanjita Prasad, Ishani Pande
Abstract
The learning of Indian classical performing arts has evolved from the Guru-shishya parampara into a structured process that now demands significant parental involvement. Research across Western and Asian cultures has highlighted the crucial role of families in nurturing their child’s talent. This includes providing early opportunities, facilitating specialised coaching, and making financial adjustments and sacrifices to support their child’s artistic pursuits (Luo & Kiewra, 2021). The purpose of this study is to identify the contributing factors for talent development in Indian classical artforms from parental perspectives. The sample comprised 23 parents of young artists from 10 Indian states who participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis highlighted six themes: (1) Parental Level of Knowledge, (2) Parental Involvement, (3) Resources, (4) Guru, (5) School Support, and (6) Social Influences. Identification of the right guru and support from school and relatives emerged as supportive factors. The most significant challenges were related to lack of resources, particularly finances and transport, which limited access to opportunities necessary for talent development. These findings inform policymakers and educators to design multifaceted and culturally sensitive support systems for families of talented children pursuing Indian classical arts.
Ms Darshita Mehta, Dr Sameena Manasawala, Ms Sanjita Prasad, Ms Ishani Pande. (2024). Talent Development in the Indian Classical performing arts: contributing factors indicated by parents across India. International Conference on Gifted Education (ICGE), Pune, India.
