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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.”

More Than One Day: Celebrating Womanhood Every Day        

A woman does not need a special day to prove her worth. She is a celebration in herself.

Just a few days ago, we celebrated Holi, the beautiful festival of colours—streets filled with laughter, faces bright with colour, and hearts light with joy. Around the same time, we also observe International Women’s Day, honouring women for their strength, sacrifices, and achievements.


On this day, women are made to feel special. They celebrate their womanhood and remind the world they are no less capable than anyone else.


But the real question is: Is celebrating womanhood on just one day enough? Should appreciation, respect, and self-love be limited to a date on the calendar, or should a woman celebrate herself every day?


The truth is that every life has some void—love, recognition, companionship, opportunity, or understanding may be missing. Such gaps are part of being human; no life is perfectly complete. What matters is how we live despite those missing pieces.


A woman must never let emptiness make her bitter. She should not allow loneliness or disappointment to close her heart. Instead, she should fill her life with colour—just as Holi fills the world with colour. Her life itself should become a festival of colours.


Embracing Every Role with Grace

A woman plays many roles in life—as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, teacher, guide, and nurturer. Each carries responsibility but also great beauty.


The secret to emotional peace lies in fulfilling these roles without heavy expectations. When we expect too much from others, we often invite disappointment.


Simple Philosophies

A few simple philosophies can transform life:


Zero expectations, zero disappointment — When a woman gives love, care, and effort sincerely without constantly seeking appreciation or validation, she experiences inner freedom. Her happiness no longer depends on others’ reactions.


Dignity and self-respect must remain intact — while giving love and fulfilling duties, a woman must never compromise her self-respect. Kindness should never be mistaken for weakness, and being loving does not mean tolerating humiliation.


A woman must remember three principles:

• Never allow anyone to disrespect your dignity.

• Never shrink yourself to make others comfortable.

• Never lower your worth to meet someone else’s expectations.


How a Woman Can Maintain Her Dignity Every Day

Maintaining dignity is not about pride or ego. It is about quiet confidence and self-awareness. Here are some simple but powerful ways:


1. Know Your Self-Worth: A woman should recognise her value. Her worth is not defined by someone's approval, relationship status, or external validation. When you know your worth, you naturally carry yourself with grace.


2. Set Healthy Boundaries: Boundaries protect emotional energy. Saying “no” when something feels uncomfortable is not rude—it is self-respect.


3. Speak with Calm Confidence: A dignified woman does not need to shout to prove her point. She communicates clearly, respectfully, and firmly.


4. Protect Your Emotional Peace: Not every argument deserves your response. Sometimes dignity lies in walking away from negativity.


5. Continue Growing: A woman who keeps learning, evolving, and improving herself radiates confidence and strength.


Celebrating Yourself Daily

Celebrating womanhood is not about grand gestures but small daily habits that nurture the mind, heart, and soul.


Appreciate Yourself: Acknowledge your efforts and celebrate small victories. Self-appreciation builds confidence.


Spend Time With Yourself: Solitude is not loneliness; it helps you understand yourself better.


Do What Brings Joy: Reading, music, exercise, cooking, travel, or creative hobbies—make time for what nourishes your soul.


Care for Your Health: Women often care for others first, but physical and mental well-being must also be a priority.


Be Independent at Any Age: Independence brings dignity, confidence, and security—and it is never too late to develop it.


Emotional Independence: Do not rely entirely on others for emotional stability; learn to manage your feelings and find inner strength.


Financial Independence: Even a small income builds confidence and the freedom to make choices.


Mental Independence: Think for yourself. Read, learn, and stay curious.


Physical Independence: Stay active, exercise, and care for your health so you can live energetically at any age.


A Personal Reflection

Like everyone, my life has seen ups and downs—challenges, lessons, growth, and change.


Today I feel complete, not because life is perfect, but because I have learned to embrace my journey and value every step of it.


I take pride in my work, the effort I give, and the strength my experiences have shaped. My journey speaks for itself.


That is how I celebrate my womanhood—quietly, gracefully, and confidently. A woman does not need a special day to prove her worth. She is a celebration in herself.


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

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