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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.”

Nandgaonkar fracturesleg during campaigning

Updated: Nov 7, 2024

Nandgaonkar

Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Bala Nandgaonkar who is fighting the prestigious Shivadi assembly seat severely fractured his leg during his campaign on Saturday this slowing down his campaign in the midst of the crucial period.

 

Shivadi is one of the few seats where the ruling Mahayuti has not fielded any candidate and have decided to support the MNS.

 

Nandgaonkar who is currently recuperating agreed he will have to slow down to campaign due to

this procedure. However, he expressed confidence that this will not impact his winning chances.

 

“I have already completed campaigning in 70 per cent of my constituency. After this I will not be able

to campaign door to door but will definitely campaign below the buildings,” said Nandgaonkar. “The

voters of this constituency know me very well as I am very accessible and will vote for me,” he added.

 

Nandgaonkar who was campaigning at Abhudaya Nagar building number 18 suffered a mishap on Saturday as he tried to jump between the two buildings. Nonetheless he continued his campaign. On Sunday he rushed to Gleneagles hospital at Parel and underwent treatment by noted orthopaedic surgeon Dr Neelkanth Dhamnaskar.

 

The Shvadi constituency comprises of the Parel-Lalbaug belt popularly known as Girangaon where the Shiv Sena ruled the roost for decades. This area has undergone massive change as chawls and mill lands have been replaced by skyscrapers. It was in 1970 when the Shiv Sena debuted in Maharashtra assembly from this area when its candidate Wamanrao Mahadik won the bypolls.

 

Nandgaonkar is pitted against the incumbent MLA Ajay Chaudhari who is currently the group leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT).

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