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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.”

Raj avoids taking Aaditya’s name, targets Uddhav instead

Updated: Nov 15, 2024

Raj Thackeray

Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirnam Sena President Raj Thackeray always criticised all parties including his cousin Uddhav Thackeray based on the ideology of political parties, but in a public meeting in Worli on Thursday he did not utter nephew and opposite candidae Aaditya’s name in his 40-minute speech.

“Raj did not take Aaditya’s name even once but targeted his cousin Uddhav twice in his speech. The message is clear – the cousins have decided not to target each other’s children,” said a Shiv Sena (UBT) worker.


Interestingly, Uddhav also has decided not to campaign in Mahim from where Raj’s son Amit is in the fray.

Raj had many reasons to hold public meeting in Worli. The governments have not done anything for Worli-Koliwada and in future also it’s not clear whether some developments will be done. Raj sees this is an opportunity to canvass for the MNS candidate Sandeep Deshpande, his trusted lieutenant.

“The MNS has conducted a detailed survey to understand the problems of Worli-Koliwada. If the MNS chief doesn’t come in front and show solidarity support for his candidate then how people will have faith in them due to which public meeting had to be taken,” said an MNS worker.


Meanwhile, Amit Thackeray told the reporters that he was not expecting any support from Shiv Sena (UBT). “We don’t expect anyone to return favours,” he said, referring to a MNS’s support to Aaditya when the latter first contested the assembly election in 2019. MNS did not field any candidate opposite him at that time.


This election is difficult for both of the Thackerays. There is a talk that they have some kind of tacit understanding between them regarding Amit and Aaditya. Mahim and Worli both constituencies are having a triple contest. Shiv Sena (UBT) has nominated Mahesh Sawant against Amit. Shiv Sena has fielded sitting MLA Sada Saravankar there. Aaditya is challenged by Sandeep Deshpande and Milind Deora of Shiv Sena.

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