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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.”

Call for Women’s Safety

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Call for Women’s Safety

One week after the Badlapur protest over the sexual abuse of two minor girls, tension persists. Senior police officer Aarti Singh is investigating, with new information emerging daily. Meanwhile, protest-related arrests are reigniting anger.

The police used the protest photos to arrest people at their offices and homes. Ten to twelve bank employees who happened to be at Badlapur station during the protests were arrested. In another incident, a taxi driver who had come to drop off a passenger was also arrested. Police arrested a bank employee for allegedly commenting on the sexual harassment case and around 800 people. Many of these people were not involved in stone-pelting or protesting; they were simply bystanders.

The bank employees arrested on Saturday were only presented in court on Monday, violating their rights. Police failed to present them within 24 hours as required, increasing discontent in Badlapur.

The Constitution guarantees freedom of expression for all. Protesting in a democracy, and speaking out against injustice is part of this freedom of expression. If the police arrest people for reacting to injustice, it would be a violation of their freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a)(b) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression; and peaceful assembly without arms.

While the government can impose restrictions, it appears to have curtailed freedom of expression and the right to protest in this case.

For the first time in Maharashtra’s history, people have spontaneously protested for nearly 10 hours against sexual harassment. The police’s slow response contributed to the protest, and if they had acted promptly, the protest might not have occurred. Both the police and Badlapur residents share responsibility for the unrest.

The POCSO Act mandates action against delays, yet no case has been filed against the police for their delay, suggesting government support for the police and suppression of protest voices. This undermines democracy and may lead to electoral backlash in the upcoming assembly elections.

Chief Minister, please address the widespread anger and acknowledge the ongoing safety issues for women in Maharashtra. Sexual abuse of minors continues in various institutions. Implement the Supreme Court’s Vishakha guidelines in schools and workplaces. Last year’s suppression of a woman officer’s molestation case highlights systemic injustice.

Chief Minister, while the “Ladki Bahin” scheme is a positive step, a “Safe Sister” scheme is also needed. Police stations lack women officers to address complaints, and women often face the system alone. Take decisive action to ensure women can move freely without fear at all times in Maharashtra.

The physical wounds of the two girls will heal, but their psychological scars will persist. The “Manodhairya” scheme alone cannot compensate for these injuries. Work to create a situation where such schemes are unnecessary. Set a three-month deadline for fast-track case disposal and ensure severe punishment for the accused. The “Ladaki Bahin” Scheme will only be effective if women can live with dignity.

Chief Minister, to achieve this, you must have control over the administration and the police. Just as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj used to cut off the hands and feet of those who tortured women in his state, those who committed such crimes in Maharashtra must be stopped. If women continue to face such atrocities, they may be forced to take matters into their own hands.

(The writer is a practicing lawyer. Views personal.)

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