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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.”

Four champions of Gandhian values honoured

Tirveni Acharya felicitated with Award for Development and Welfare of Women and Children at 47th Jamnalal Bajaj Awards. / Pic: Bhushan Koyande
Tirveni Acharya felicitated with Award for Development and Welfare of Women and Children at 47th Jamnalal Bajaj Awards. / Pic: Bhushan Koyande

Mumbai: Four eminent personalities and champions of Gandhian principles from across India including one from Mumbai, were honoured with the coveted Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation (JBF) awards for their contributions of truth, non-violence and humanitarian services.

 

They are: Hasmukh Babubhai Patel of Gujarat for ‘Constructive Work’; P. M. Murugesan of Tamil Nadu for ‘Application of Science & Technology for Rural Development’; Triveni Acharya of Maharashtra for ‘Development & Welfare of Women and Children’; and Sekacheva Lyudmila Leonidovna of Russia for ‘Promoting Gandhian Values Outside India’.


Mumbai's journalist-turned-activist, Triveni Acharya is regarded as India's foremost anti-trafficking crusader for over 25 years, rescuing, rehabilitating and empowering survivors through her "Rescue Foundation", based in Kandivali east.


So far, the RF has rescued more than 7000 girls-women, opened four homes in different parts of India where more than 11,000  are given care, shelter and rehabilitation.


Beyond rescue, Acharya ensures holistic recovery through medical care, trauma counselling, legal aid, education and livelihood training, a Project Ekatra that empowers survivors to become mentors and peer leaders, etc., working with Police, foreign embassies and NGOs.


The ceremony’s Chief Guest was Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj, along with JBF Chairman Shekhar Bajaj, Trustee and Chairman of Council of Advisors Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, and other dignitaries besides a distinguished eminent gathering.

 

Each awardee received a Citation, Trophy, and a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh, and reinforces the JBF’s mission to advance the vision of the legendary Jamnalal Bajaj - a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi - who dedicated his life to social reform and national development.

 

This year’s ceremony also carried a note of remembrance, being the first since the passing of Trustee Madhur Bajaj in April 2025, whose legacy of philanthropy and social commitment was fondly recalled.

 

“Every year, the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation Awards spotlight individuals whose tireless work uplifts humanity. This year’s awardees have not only transformed lives but also rekindled faith in compassion and constructive action,” said Shekhar Bajaj.

 

Dr. Mashelkar described the honorees as “modern-day Satyagrahis - warriors of conscience who fight with compassion, not confrontation”.

 

“Each has proven that a single determined heart can illuminate darkness and restore hope, embodying Gandhian resilience and truth,” said Dr. Mashelkar.

 

Trustee and Hon. Director Minal Bajaj reflected on JBF’s guiding philosophy, recalling Gandhiji’s words about Jamnalal Bajaj: “He did not earn a single rupee through unethical means and spent whatever he earned for the good of the people.”

 

She added, “The Foundation continues to seek out these hidden gems, individuals transforming communities or reshaping nations, staying true to our mission of celebrating selfless service.”

 

Over nearly five decades, the JBF awards have stood as one of India’s foremost recognitions of humanitarian endeavour, continuing to inspire collective action rooted in the timeless ideals of Gandhi and Jamnalal Bajaj.

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