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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.”

‘Sounds heard, missiles visible’

Mumbaikars recall their encounter with the missile attacks in Middle East

Govandi Muslim Youth Front stage protest condemning killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatulla Khameni, at Govandi, in Mumbai, on Sunday. | Pic: Bhushan Koyande
Govandi Muslim Youth Front stage protest condemning killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatulla Khameni, at Govandi, in Mumbai, on Sunday. | Pic: Bhushan Koyande

Mumbai: Dombivli resident Meghana Modak who flew to Dubai 15 days ago, as a tourist told ‘The Perfect Voice’ that she heard loud sounds and huge clouds of smoke in the air when she felt something was unusual. She was out for a casual walk on Saturday, but had to immediately rush home. She tuned in to news to find out about the US-Israel strikes on Iranian targets and Tehran's retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Gulf.


“Dubai was not their target. However, the intercepting action and the missiles that passed through could be seen and heard. We are at home. Normal routine is on. However, schools and colleges stay shut. We have been advised to go out only for the inevitable basic needs of groceries.” said Modak.


Modak is in Dubai to spend some quality time with her son and his family. She is scheduled to fly back to Mumbai on Tuesday. However, the plan stands indefinitely cancelled till further notice. “The Dubai airport has been hit indefinitely. We do that know when we will be back”, said Modak.


Less Scary

Modak cited the situation was reasonably less scary in Dubai compared to other places in the Middle East considering Dubai was not the prime target. There are no panic-struck evacuations and or sudden rush towards bomb shelters reported. However, the falling of the missile debris is certainly creating difficult situations.


“A building caught fire claiming a life because of this debris falling. People are not panicking because everyone has faith in the Dubai government that they will ensure the safety of the innocent civilians.” Modak is currently staying at Jebel Ali is a large commercial port and business hub on the southern outskirts of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.


There are about 4.3 – 4.36 million Indians living in the United Arab Emirates — making them the largest expatriate community in the country and roughly 35 – 38 per cent of the UAE’s total population. Dubai has the largest share of Indians within the UAE. From residents, to students to tourists, Indians account for a huge share in Dubai. While for some, situation is safe but a long uncertain wait till further course of action is clear, while some are under constant fear for life.


Wait and Watch

A Mumbai-based tourist anonymously told ‘The Perfect Voice’, “My husband, my seven-year-old son and I left for a Dubai trip to have a break from our routine lives. We were in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Soon after the conflict began, we were shifted to bomb shelters. On Sunday, we have reached Dubai. It’s wait and watch till we get further update. The recreation trip has taken a stressful turn.”


Tour operators are finding it tough to plan the evacuations of tourists who are currently stranded in Dubai due to airspace closure. Mumbai-based Shashank Abhyankar, the tour manager of Rajguru Travels, said, “I am just back from a tour last week. Our group of 25 Mumbaikars is in Dubai right now. Another tour manager is with them. They were supposed to visit gold market, Bhurj Khalifa, Baps Temple on Saturday and Sunday. However, everything is shut. They are scheduled to checkout from hotel on Monday 12 pm and fly back on an Indigo flight to Mumbai. The airline has intimated that the flight stands cancelled.”


While airports are flooded with stranded passengers, it is an uphill task for tour operators to bring tourists back. “Safety is not a concern in Dubai. The biggest concern is, how to get people back. Stretching the stay would mean additional cost and even if we bear the cost availability of accommodation is also a concern. We are reaching out to people who are living there since many years for some solution. We have full faith in Indian government that they will do all they can to get Indians back. However, what will they do till the airspace is closed?” cited Abhyankar.

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