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.”

Sukshma Vyayama: Micro Yogic Movement, Major Benefits

Just 15 minutes of Sukshma Vyayama can quiet the mind, energise the body, and balance the spirit.

In the vast and timeless tradition of yoga, Sukshma Vyayama holds a unique place. These micro-level yogic movements gently awaken every organ, muscle, joint, and the spine — working from head to toe in a rhythmic, mindful way that harmonises the body and mind.


The practice was brought to modern awareness by the legendary yoga master Dhirendra Brahmachari, a direct disciple of Maharshi Kartikeya Maharaj. Known for introducing yoga to both the common man and world leaders, Brahmachari even taught India’s former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and carried this wisdom to the USSR, where he was invited to teach. His contributions also laid the foundation of what we now know as the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) in New Delhi.


What is Sukshma Vyayama?

The Sanskrit term 'Sukshma Vyayama' combines two words — 'Sukshma' (subtle or micro) and 'Vyayama' (exercise). Together, they describe a series of delicate, mindful movements designed to awaken internal energy and vitality.


This system includes 48 structured practices that integrate movement, breath, awareness, and energy flow. Each movement is performed gently, with full attention and breath synchronisation. The result is a deep activation of pranic energy throughout the body, leaving one refreshed yet calm.


Ayurvedic perspective

Ayurveda explains that Ama (undigested toxins) accumulates in the empty spaces of the body — especially around joints, cartilage, and connective tissues. These toxins block the natural flow of prana, leading to stiffness, fatigue, or pain.


Sukshma Vyayama gently targets these subtle spaces. Through mindful rotations, stretches, and rhythmic breathing, it helps remove energetic blockages, enhance circulation, and restore natural vitality — harmonising body, mind, and spirit.


Key features

Gentle and Conscious Breathing: Every movement flows with the breath, deepening awareness.


Focus on Joints and Muscles: It strengthens weak or stiff areas through subtle mobility work.


Breath–Movement Synchrony: Harmonising inhalation and exhalation unites the body and mind in meditative flow.


Major benefits

  • Removes energy blockages and improves pranic flow

  • Reduces muscle stiffness and joint pain

  • Increases flexibility and body awareness

  • Enhances coordination and balance — especially beneficial for senior citizens

  • Boosts blood circulation and energy levels

  • Calms the mind, improves focus, and reduces stress


Core practices

  • Wrist and Shoulder Rotations – Relieve stiffness caused by long desk work.

  • Neck Movements – Ease cervical tension and improve sleep.

  • Toe and Ankle Rotations – Aid circulation and help prevent varicose veins.

  • Knee Movements – Strengthen joints and reduce arthritic pain.

  • Waist Twists (Kati Vyayama) – Maintain spinal flexibility and reduce backache.

  • Eye Exercises – Relax strained eyes and sharpen concentration.

  • Pranic Breathing Practices – Enhance oxygen intake and calm the nervous system.


Deeper essence

Sukshma Vyayama is not merely light physical movement; it is a meditative dialogue between body, breath, and awareness. It refines sensitivity to one’s own energy and aligns the subtle layers of being.


For today’s fast-paced lifestyle, these practices are ideal for everyone — from office-goers to senior citizens. Just 15–20 minutes a day can bring visible results: reduced stress, improved flexibility, emotional stability, and renewed vitality.


When practised with awareness, Sukshma Vyayama gently awakens the body from within—harmonising every cell, calming every breath, and illuminating the spirit. It truly embodies the essence of yoga: the union of body, mind, and soul.

(The writer is a yoga educator and researcher based in Pune.)

Comments

bottom of page