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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.”

Durgavati: The Queen Who Stood Against the Mughal Tide

Updated: Oct 22, 2024

Durgavati

India has long been a land of valiant kings and queens who defended their realm against invaders for over a millennium. From the British Empire to the Mughals, India faced numerous challenges, yet the resolute responses from various kingdoms significantly curtailed the advance of foreign aggressors. Throughout this illustrious history, countless sons and daughters of Bharat Mata emerged as inspiring figures, some sacrificing their lives in the ultimate act of patriotism. The janjati (tribal) kingdoms and their warriors have consistently been at the forefront of this struggle. The contributions of figures such as Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Raghoji Bhangare, Tantya Bheel and Siddh-Kanho from the janjati community are well-acknowledged. However, the remarkable contributions of janjati women in this resistance often go unrecognized, overshadowed by their male counterparts, largely due to the biases of historical narratives. Alongside Rani Durgavati, women like Rani Fulkavar, the Phulo-Jhano sisters, Jhalkaari Bai, and Rani Gaidenliu have played pivotal roles in India’s freedom struggle.

On October 5, 1524, the birth of a princess in the Kalinjar fortress of the Mahoba kingdom brought joy to the realm. Named Durgavati by her father, the Rajput king Kirti Singh, she grew up witnessing his governance. Trained in military tactics and imbued with the instincts of leadership, Durgavati married Dalpat Shah, the eldest son of King Sangram Shah of the Garha-Mandla (Gondwana) kingdom, at the age of 20. In 1545, the couple celebrated the birth of their son, Vir Narayan.

However, this happiness was short-lived. King Dalpat Shah passed away in 1550, leaving young Vir Narayan, only five years old, under the guardianship of Queen Durgavati. Understanding the looming threat of Mughal invasion, she took decisive action to fortify her kingdom. Durgavati not only expanded her army but also forged alliances with neighbouring states to bolster her defenses. Her focus extended beyond military might; she actively promoted the welfare of her people, constructing numerous lakes to combat recurring water shortages for both irrigation and domestic use. She believed that a kingdom’s prosperity was intrinsically linked to the happiness of its populace. During times of drought, she cancelled taxes and aided her subjects. Many of the lakes she established still exist today, a testament to her foresight and commitment. Fondly referred to as ‘Mother’ by her people, Durgavati’s legacy of benevolence is chronicled by historian Abul Fazal.

Yet, the spectre of invasion loomed large, as foreign forces sought to dismantle Hindu states and their beliefs. Envious of Gondwana’s prosperity, Akbar sent an ultimatum to Rani Durgavati, demanding her surrender along with her chief minister, Aadhar Singh, and her prized white elephant. Unwilling to capitulate, she prepared for war. The Mughal forces, initially thwarted in two assaults, returned for a third, this time armed with artillery.

On June 24, 1564, Rani Durgavati sustained serious injuries from arrows shot by Asaf Khan, a commander in Akbar’s army. Witnessing their queen fight valiantly against overwhelming odds, the morale of her soldiers began to wane as they saw her bleed. In a moment of despair, Durgavati commanded her trusted minister to end her life, stunning her warriors. Knowing capture would lead to enslavement, she took dagger and ended her life, sacrificing herself to protect her beloved Gondwana just three months shy of her 40th birthday.

This year marks the 500th anniversary of Rani Durgavati’s birth, commemorating the life of this extraordinary daughter of Bharat and ruler of the Garha-Mandala Gondwana kingdom. Her commitment to the welfare of her subjects and the defense of her homeland is an enduring legacy. In a contemporary landscape marked by foreign-funded disruptions, her spirit exhorts us to defend our motherland. Today, this battle consists of countering the divisive narratives propagated by external forces. While our armed forces stand ready to guard our borders, it is incumbent upon us to be vigilant guardians of Bharat Mata within our communities. The unity of Bharat’s people will be crucial in confronting these ongoing challenges.

Let us collectively pay tribute to Rani Durgavati and all the courageous janjati freedom fighters who valiantly defended the rich heritage and culture of our motherland.

(The writer is an official of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. Views personal.)

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