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.”

Pollution biggest challenge; transport sector significant contributor: Gadkari

  • PTI
  • Mar 31, 2025
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 1, 2025


Gadkari

THANE: Pollution is India's biggest challenge and the transport sector is a major contributor, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Monday, stressing the urgent need to transition from fossil fuels to alternative energy sources.

He said India's dependence on fossil fuels is both an economic burden as Rs 22 lakh crore is spent annually on fuel imports and an environmental hazard, making clean energy adoption crucial for the nation's progress.

Speaking at the launch of an eco-friendly electric cycle in Thane, the Road Transport & Highways Minister said cycling needs to be promoted as a sustainable urban transport option in view of increasing urbanisation.

Gadkari said the rapid growth of India's automobile sector has surpassed Japan to become the third-largest globally since 2014.

He said by 2030, India will be the world leader in electric vehicle (EV) production, significantly impacting the global auto market.

He credited the sharp decline in lithium-ion battery prices (now at USD 100 per kWh) for making EVs more affordable and bringing them closer to price parity with traditional fuel-powered vehicles.

"Pollution is our country's biggest challenge, and a major part of it comes from the transport sector," Gadkari said, adding that the shift to electric and alternative fuels is not just an environmental necessity but also an economic imperative.

The minister said India's young engineering talent is the driving force behind innovations in EV technology and alternative fuels. He noted that startups are making significant breakthroughs, propelling India to the forefront of the green energy revolution.

He also stressed the growing international demand for Indian-made electric two-wheelers which is a strong export opportunity that could boost the economy and improve India's trade balance.

"Another key area of focus is biofuels," Gadkari said.

He referred to the government's initiatives in converting agricultural waste into biofuels, including bio-CNG and bio-aviation fuel, thereby transforming farmers into energy providers.

This shift would not only enhance rural incomes but also reduce pollution and decrease fuel import costs, he added.

"Farmers will no longer be just food providers- they will be energy providers too," he said, highlighting ongoing biofuel projects aimed at reducing reliance on traditional fuels.

The minister called for promoting cycling as a sustainable urban transport option.

"With increasing urbanisation, dedicated cycling infrastructure is needed to encourage environmentally friendly travel while improving road safety and decongesting cities," he added.

Gadkari further said the proactive government policies since 2014 have accelerated India's automobile sector's growth.

"By creating a supportive ecosystem for innovation and competition, India has become an attractive hub for EV manufacturing, alternative fuels, and green mobility solutions," he added.

Gadkari said India is committed to reducing pollution, lowering import costs, and fostering economic growth through green technologies.

"With a strong push for electric vehicles, biofuels, and urban cycling infrastructure, India is poised to lead the global transition to sustainable transport solutions.

"The combination of cutting-edge technology, young engineering talent, and agricultural innovation will ensure that India remains competitive in the evolving global landscape," he added.

Comments

bottom of page