top of page

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.”

Israel Resumes Airstrikes on Hamas in Gaza After Ceasefire Talks Collapse; Over 100 Reported Dead

Updated: Mar 20, 2025

Israeli forces launch extensive strikes across Gaza as ceasefire negotiations stall; Netanyahu vows intensified military action


Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes | X/@Agyaat366402


Tel Aviv: The Israeli military launched extensive airstrikes on Gaza on Tuesday, targeting Hamas positions as ceasefire negotiations broke down. According to reports, the offensive has resulted in over 100 casualties.


"In accordance with the political leadership, the IDF and ISA are currently conducting widespread strikes on Hamas terror targets in Gaza," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated in a post on X.


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes, citing stalled ceasefire talks. Officials confirmed that the operation is open-ended and likely to expand in the coming days.


"From now on, Israel will escalate military action against Hamas," Netanyahu’s office said, as reported by The Associated Press.


The strikes took place during the holy month of Ramadan, intensifying concerns over civilian casualties. Netanyahu emphasized that the military action aims to achieve Israel's war objectives, including securing the release of all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased.


The decision to resume airstrikes followed an IDF proposal over the weekend, which received approval from the political leadership. The truce negotiations reportedly faltered as Israel sought an extension of the first phase of the ceasefire, while Hamas insisted on moving to the second phase, which involved releasing more hostages.


Since the war began in October 2023, following Hamas' deadly attack on Israel on October 7, over 48,000 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives in the conflict.

Comments

bottom of page