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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.”

Investing 101: A Simple Guide for Young Indians

Contrary to popular belief, everyone can invest, no matter how small the starting amount.

AI generated image
AI generated image

Many young Indians believe investing is only for high earners, but that isn’t true. Anyone can begin with even a small amount. Investing simply means helping your money grow over time, and starting early gives it more time to multiply. This article explains investing in simple language so every young person can understand it.


1. What Is Investment?

Investment means putting your money in a place where it can grow. Instead of keeping money idle in a bank savings account or spending everything, you allow your money to earn returns. The purpose of investing is to build wealth, secure your future, and achieve your long-term goals. Investment also protects your money from inflation, which reduces the value of money every year.


2. Why Should Young People Start Early?

Starting early gives your investments more time to grow through compounding, where your returns also earn returns. Even ₹500 a month can become a large sum over 15–20 years. Young people have fewer responsibilities, making it easier to save. Early investing also builds discipline and reduces financial pressure later in life.


3. How Much Money Is Needed to Start?

You do not need a large amount of money to begin. Many mutual funds allow SIPs starting from ₹500 or even ₹100 per month. What matters is not how much you start with but how consistently you continue. Once your income increases, you can increase your investment amount. Small and regular investments are more powerful than large but irregular investments.


4. Basic Rules of Safe Investing

Start small and increase your investment gradually. Never invest in something you don’t understand, and avoid schemes promising quick or guaranteed returns. Keep an emergency fund before you begin. Focus on long-term investments rather than quick profits, and use only trusted banks, apps, and government-backed platforms to stay safe.


5. Where Can Beginners Start Investing?

One of the best options for beginners is a mutual fund SIP. A SIP allows you to invest a fixed amount every month. Your money is managed by professional fund managers and gets invested across many companies, which reduces risk. SIPs give good returns over the long term and are easy to start through mobile apps.


Index funds are another excellent choice. They follow the Nifty 50 or Sensex and grow with the Indian economy. They are low-cost and simple to understand.


Bank fixed deposits are very safe and offer guaranteed returns, although the returns are lower compared to mutual funds.


Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed option that is extremely safe. It is ideal for long-term goals like retirement because it offers good returns with tax benefits, though it has a 15-year lock-in period.


Gold and digital gold are also safe investments. They protect your money during inflation and market downturns, but they should be only a small part of your portfolio.


Investing in individual stocks can give high returns, but the risk is also high. Beginners should learn slowly and start with mutual funds first before entering the stock market.


6. How to Start Investing Step-by-Step

Set a simple monthly savings goal and open an investment account through your bank or a trusted app. Start a SIP with ₹500 or ₹1,000 a month and choose long-term mutual funds. Stay consistent and raise your SIP each year as your income grows. Review your investments only once a year, and keep investing through market ups and downs—consistency builds wealth.


7. Common Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

  • Do not invest blindly based on advice from friends or social media.

  • Do not expect quick money or unrealistic, high returns. 

  • Do not stop your SIP when the market falls; this is the best time to buy units at lower prices. 

  • Avoid putting all your money in a single investment.

  • Always keep an emergency fund to handle unexpected situations. 

  • Do not check your investments daily, as it creates unnecessary stress.


8. Benefits of Investing Early

Investing early helps you build wealth without pressure. It supports future goals like education, a home, travel, marriage, or retirement. Early investing brings stability and confidence, protects you in emergencies, and reduces stress. It also builds strong money habits that last a lifetime.


Investing isn’t difficult, and it doesn’t require a lot of money. What matters is starting early and staying consistent. Even ₹500 a month can become a strong financial base. Young Indians have the advantage of time, and they should use it wisely. With simple steps, safe options, and discipline, anyone can achieve financial security. Your wealth journey begins with one small step—start today.


(The writer is a Chartered Accountant based in Thane. Views personal.)

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