top of page

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.”

Does third front matter?

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Does third front matter?

Mumbai: As the governing Mahayuti and the challenger Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) prepare for the pivotal state legislative elections, smaller groups are readying to disrupt the balance. At least a dozen factions, each with significant support within the state, have declared their intentions to run independently or to unite in forming a third alliance.


Raj Thackeray, the leader of the MNS, was the first to reveal his slate of candidates, including Bala Nandgaonkar from Shivadi, a well-established base of the Shiv Sena in Central Mumbai.


The third alliance, Parivartan Mahashakti, after its initial strategy session on Thursday, has set its sights on contesting in 150 seats and has pledged to oppose the incumbent chief minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy, Devendra Fadnavis. The alliance has also sought the support of Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil. This coalition is made up of groups led by former Rajya Sabha member Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati, leader of the farmers’ movement Raju Shetti, and MLA Bachchu Kadu.


Bachchu Kadu poses a threat to the Mahayuti candidates in Amrawati and the surrounding areas. Meanwhile, Raju Shetti and Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati have a strong presence in Western Maharashtra, where they could undermine the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi’s standing.


The formation of this coalition started over two months prior. At first, leaders and advocates for agricultural matters, including Shetty, Bharat Rashtra Samiti’s Shankar Dhondge, and Wamanrao Chatap, gathered to talk about the potential for a partnership. Subsequently, Kadu and Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati entered the discussion. Shetty also had a meeting with Prakash Ambedkar, who is yet to become a part of the coalition.


Kadu, who had been associated with the saffron Mahayuti alliance recently, mentioned that he had cautioned the Shinde administration about abandoning the coalition if they did not meet his party’s requests. Bachchu Kadu held a protest in Sambhaji Nagar in August and presented 18 demands. “Our platform will concentrate on the welfare of farmers and agricultural workers, and we will address issues such as educational disparities, healthcare access, and industrial growth,” Bachchu Kadu said.


The future outcome is uncertain regarding whether Ambedkar or Jarange Patil will align with the new third front. Should they do so, Maharashtra might find itself in a situation where no single party secures a majority in the assembly. If more parties decide to be a part of this third front, it will negatively impact Mahayuti and MVA.

Comments

bottom of page