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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.”

‘Revolutionising the Future of Work’

Sreenivas Tirdhala, Co-Founder of iSprout, talks about co-working spaces

Sreenivas Tirdhala

Mumbai: As the modern workplace continues to evolve, coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular among entrepreneurs, startups, and large corporations alike. iSprout, a leading player in the Indian coworking market, is redefining the future of work with its innovative approach to shared office spaces. In an exclusive interview, Sreenivas Tirdhala, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of iSprout, shares insights into the company's vision, growth strategy, and what sets it apart from other coworking spaces in the market."


Q. What motivated the founders of iSprout to start the company, and how did they envision transforming the co-working real estate market?

A. iSprout's founders were inspired by the changing dynamics of the modern workplace. We saw a gap in the market for workspaces that combined flexibility, convenience and community to professional infrastructure. Our vision is to redefine coworking in personal service and premium design and promote a sense of belonging among tenants. The main goal is to make iSprout more than just an office space a center for innovation, collaboration and business growth.

Q. What challenges did iSprout face when it was first starting, and how did the team overcome them?

A. In its early days, iSprout faced challenges such as limited market awareness, Competition from famous players, and the complexity of setting up a large office space, including the spread of COVID-19 This has caused unprecedented disruption Operations interrupted and changing workspace needs. The team overcame these obstacles by focusing on customer-centric solutions, building a strong base of operations and creating partnerships with key industry players attention to detail adaptability and resilience during the pandemic have given us a strong foothold in the market, and become a reliable service provider of innovative office solutions.

Q. What are iSprout’s plans for expanding to new cities or regions?

A. iSprout is strategically expanding its presence in metropolitan areas and tier 2 cities with high growth potential and increasing demand for flexible office space. With focuses on premium locations, and plans to add 1 million square feet of new workspace in Hyderabad and aims to replicate this success in cities like Chennai, Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata and Kochi. Our expansion strategy focuses on scalability while maintaining the brand's unique identity and commitment to excellence.

Q. Has iSprout raised any funding so far, or are there plans to seek investment shortly to fuel expansion and growth?

A. iSprout, on the other hand, relies heavily on strategic partnerships and internal fundraising the founders are also open to outside funding to accelerate growth and scale operations. The plan is to find investments that align with long-term vision and bring innovative solutions to the coworking market.

Q. What differentiates iSprout from other co-working spaces in the market?

A. iSprout stands out with its focus on premium design, personalized service and promoting a strong community culture. Unlike traditional co-working spaces, iSprout tailors its offerings to meet its clients' specific needs. From ergonomically designed workstations to integrated technology solutions and dynamic environments, iSprout provides a holistic experience that goes beyond just an office space.

Q. How does iSprout identify and select locations for its co-working spaces?

A. iSprout takes a data-driven approach to selecting locations, analyzing factors such as business centres, connectivity, local amenities, and market needs. The team works closely with real estate experts (IPC/DPC/Local brokers) and prioritizes locations that align with target demographics and long-term strategic goals.


Q. What unique amenities and services does iSprout provide to its tenants?

A. iSprout offers complete amenities such as high-speed internet, tech-enabled meeting rooms, wellness zones, gourmet cafeterias, and premium lounges, All this is complemented by a specially designed interior which reflects the customer's brand identity. In addition to flexibility and convenience, iSprout reinforces that offering dynamic workspace options that allow tenants to use more than a fixed desk and choose a space that suits their needs, such as a breakout area, phone booth, or co-working space. With a dedicated team of experienced tenants that seamlessly manage all operational needs, iSprout ensures that businesses can focus on growing in a personalized professional environment.


Q. Can you share any data or milestones that highlight iSprout’s growth and success?

A. iSprout has established itself as a top 10 player in the Indian-managed office space sector, with operations in 6 cities and 23 centres. The company has successfully added 2.2 million square feet of workspace and expects to expand by another 1 million square feet soon. One of the standout innovations is the Airport Coworking Centre, which is Specially designed for travellers. With high customer retention rates and continued expansion, iSprout continues to grow in a highly competitive market.

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