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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

Healing Beyond the Clinic

Dr Kirti Samudra “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” This thought by Mother Teresa finds reflection in the life of Panvel-based diabetologist Dr Kirti Samudra, who has spent decades caring not only for her family but also thousands of patients who see her as their guide. As we mark International Women’s Day, stories like hers remind us that women of substance often shape society quietly through compassion, resilience and dedication. Doctor, mother, homemaker,...

Healing Beyond the Clinic

Dr Kirti Samudra “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” This thought by Mother Teresa finds reflection in the life of Panvel-based diabetologist Dr Kirti Samudra, who has spent decades caring not only for her family but also thousands of patients who see her as their guide. As we mark International Women’s Day, stories like hers remind us that women of substance often shape society quietly through compassion, resilience and dedication. Doctor, mother, homemaker, mentor and philanthropist — Dr Samudra has balanced many roles with commitment. While she manages a busy medical practice, her deeper calling has always been service. For her, medicine is not merely a profession but a responsibility towards the people who depend on her guidance. Nagpur to Panvel Born and raised in Nagpur, Dr Samudra completed her medical education there before moving to Mumbai in search of better opportunities. The early years were challenging. With determination, she and her husband Girish Samudra, an entrepreneur involved in underwater pipeline projects, chose to build their life in Panvel. At a time when the town was still developing and healthcare awareness was limited, she decided to make it both her workplace and home. What began with modest resources gradually grew into a trusted medical practice built on long-standing relationships with patients. Fighting Diabetes Recognising the growing threat of diabetes, Dr Samudra dedicated her career to treating and educating patients about the disease. Over the years, she has registered nearly 30,000 patients from Panvel and nearby areas. Yet she believes treatment alone is not enough. “Diabetes is a lifelong disease. Medicines are important, but patient education is equally critical. If people understand the condition, they can manage it better and prevent complications,” she says. For more than 27 years, she has organised an Annual Patients’ Education Programme, offering diagnostic tests at concessional rates and sessions on lifestyle management. Family, Practice With her husband frequently travelling for business, much of the responsibility of raising their two children fell on Dr Samudra. Instead of expanding her practice aggressively, she kept it close to home and adjusted her OPD timings around her children’s schedules. “It was not easy,” she recalls, “but I wanted to fulfil my responsibilities as a mother while continuing to serve my patients.” Beyond Medicine Today, Dr Samudra also devotes time to social initiatives through the Bharat Vikas Parishad, where she serves as Regional Head. Her projects include  Plastic Mukta Vasundhara , which promotes reduced use of single-use plastic, and  Sainik Ho Tumchyasathi , an initiative that sends Diwali  faral  (snack hamper) to Indian soldiers posted at the borders. Last year alone, 15,000 boxes were sent to troops. Despite decades of service, she measures success not in wealth but in goodwill. “I may not have earned huge money,” she says, “but I have earned immense love and respect from my patients. That is something I will always be grateful for.”

BJP hangs BMC’s hopes on Ameet Satam’s shoulders

Mumbai: In a strategic move ahead of the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed three-term MLA Ameet Satam as the new president of its Mumbai unit. This decision, announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, marks a significant shift in the party’s urban leadership and reflects a calculated response to the evolving political landscape in Mumbai.


Satam’s political journey is marked by consistent electoral success and grassroots engagement. Representing the Andheri West Assembly constituency since 2014, Satam has secured three consecutive victories, defeating strong opposition candidates and establishing himself as a reliable vote-getter. His assertive stance on civic issues and sharp criticism of BMC’s functioning have earned him a reputation as a proactive and vocal legislator.


Before his tenure as MLA, Satam has also served as a municipal corporator, giving him first-hand experience in urban governance. His involvement in key infrastructure projects—such as the reconstruction of the Gokhale Bridge and the beautification of Juhu Beach—demonstrates his commitment to civic development and his ability to deliver results. His educational background as a management expert gives him an edge in his endeavours in the grass root politics.


Several factors appear to have worked in favour of Satam's appointment. The timing is particularly crucial, with the BMC elections looming. The BJP's decision to replace the outgoing Ashish Shelar, who has taken on a cabinet minister's role, with a dedicated city chief, signals the party's focused approach to capturing the country's richest civic body. Satam’s background as a three-time MLA and former corporator gives him an in-depth understanding of both legislative and municipal functioning, a unique and valuable asset for the party. Also having worked as personal secretary to the former Maharashtra DCM and senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde automatically aligns him to the ‘Munde group’ within the state BJP. CM Fadnavis being the current face of the group too has worked in favour of Satam, party’s internal sources have said.


Satam’s aggressive and articulate style is another key factor. Satam is known for being a "firebrand" politician who is not afraid to take on political opponents, a quality that will be vital in the competitive Mumbai political landscape, especially against the backdrop of a potential alliance between Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). He has already demonstrated his ability to challenge the Uddhav Thackeray faction, particularly by raising high-profile issues like the Disha Salian and Sushant Singh Rajput cases. This aggressive streak and his knack for tackling sensitive issues make him an ideal choice to lead the charge against the opposition.


The appointment also seems to be a strategic move to infuse new energy and a fresh perspective into the city unit. As a relatively young leader at 49, Satam represents a new generation of BJP leadership in Mumbai. His focus on development-oriented politics, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and Chief Minister Fadnavis' leadership, is a clear indication of the party's electoral strategy for the city.


CM Fadnavis described Satam as a “studious, aggressive and imaginative leader” with deep knowledge of Mumbai’s political dynamics. His familiarity with the city’s pressing issues and his ability to tackle them effectively were cited as key reasons for his elevation.


Born in Mumbai in 1976, Satam is a graduate of Political Science and Sociology with a post graduate degree in Personnel Management. Before entering politics, he worked as an HR professional at Tata Teleservices. His decision to quit corporate life in 2004 was inspired by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, reflecting a deeper ideological commitment to public service.


Amit Satam's appointment as the Mumbai BJP President is not merely a change in leadership; it is a carefully calculated move by the party to consolidate its position in the city. With the BMC elections on the horizon, the BJP is betting on Satam to lead the party to a decisive victory and fulfil its long-standing ambition of hoisting the "saffron flag" atop the BMC.

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