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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.”

Even my car was fined twice on Sea Link: Nitin Gadkari



Union Minister Nitin Gadkari revealed that even his own car was fined twice on Mumbai's Bandra-Worli Sea Link, challenging the common belief that VIPs are exempt from traffic rules. He made this statement at the Rising Bharat Summit 2025, hosted by News18.


"I built the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. I have a car in Mumbai, and I got a challan twice. No one is spared. The cameras catch everything. I had to pay ₹500," said Gadkari. "People keep complaining about fines, but the truth is, if you follow the rules, you won’t be fined. Fines are not for collecting money—they're about enforcing discipline," he added.


Gadkari also hinted at major toll policy reforms that could help lakhs of drivers. When asked if roads could become toll-free, he replied, "A policy to ease the burden on tollpayers is being prepared. It will be announced in 8–10 days. The toll will be reduced by 100%. That’s all I can say for now."


He admitted that the ministry’s goal to reduce road accidents by half is still out of reach. He blamed the issue on both poor road design and engineering flaws. While vehicle safety standards have improved, road infrastructure still needs work. To fix this, ₹40,000 crore has been set aside to address dangerous accident-prone "black spots."


Under the Raahveer scheme, the government will reward people who help road accident victims with ₹25,000. There's also a plan to cover the medical costs of the injured, which has already been sent to the Prime Minister for approval.


Gadkari raised concerns about careless driving. To stop people from making risky U-turns by crossing road medians, the government plans to raise median heights to 3.25 feet and grow trees as barriers. Foot overbridges will also be redesigned to include lanes for two-wheelers, cyclists, and differently-abled persons.


He pointed out that nearly 30,000 people die in accidents every year because they weren’t wearing helmets. To fight this, the government may soon require manufacturers to provide two helmets with every two-wheeler sold. Gadkari also warned against using mobile phones while driving and noted that many school zones still lack basic road safety features.


He ended by stressing the importance of following traffic rules, saying that stricter enforcement is needed to make roads safer for everyone.

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