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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.”

Eyes On The Power

Sharad Pawar

Sharad Pawar has been in politics for over half a century and had been getting elected first to the assembly, then the Lok Sabha and then to Rajya Sabah all these years. He was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for four times and union minister twice, where he handled crucial departments like the defence and the agriculture. He had been in the retirement mood since some time and have publically expressed his desire to move away from the active politics at times over past two years. Yet, when challenged by his nephew, he is tirelessly crisscrossing the state to campaign for near 90 candidates of his party including his grandson. He represents the real power. He is Sharad Pawar.


Born on December 12, 1940, in Baramati, Sharad Pawar is a towering figure in Indian politics. Known for his astute political acumen and unwavering dedication to public service, Pawar has had a long and illustrious career. However, he is also criticized for his seemingly contradictory decisions throughout his political life. Like, he always professed secularism, but in 1978, when he brought down the government of the then Maharashtra Chief Minister Vasantdada Patil, in which he was industries minister, to become the youngest Chief Minister of the state, he took support of the then Jana Sangh MLAs in the assembly.

He also faced several allegations and his name was embroiled in several controversies throughout his career. He was accused of travelling with two gangsters in his official plane while he was the defence minister. He was also accused of having links with fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim. He was also accused helping the US energy company Enron to set up a power plant in Ratnagiri district which had a flawed power purchase agreement that was heavily tilted in the favour of the company. However, none of such charges could do any damage to his political career. Despite the challenges and controversies that have come his way, Pawar has remained a resilient and influential leader.


One of the defining characteristics of Sharad Pawar is his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His down-to-earth personality and approachable demeanor have earned him the respect and admiration of his constituents. He is known for his extensive tours of his constituency, where he interacts directly with the people, listens to their grievances, and works towards addressing their issues.


This election will test Pawar’s maneuvering skills. He has taken a responsibility to dethrone the Mahayuti. At the same time, he is determinant to finish his rebel nephew Ajit Pawar politically. If he could succeed in both the tasks Pawar will forever remain as the biggest political killer in the state.

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