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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.”

The Chanakya who remained in dark

Updated: Oct 30, 2024

Chavan

The aggression displayed by Congress party workers has significantly decreased over the years. In the 1980s and 1990s, the party’s youth wing, NSUI, was known for its aggressive stance. However, that intensity has diminished over time. On the other hand, Shiv Sena has been known for its assertiveness from the very beginning, a trait that appealed to the youth. But after the passing of Balasaheb Thackeray, the party has softened its approach.


In recent times, Congress leaders like Nana Patole and Vijay Waddettiwar have brought back a sense of aggression, particularly Nana Patole, who has taken a more assertive role following the party’s significant victory in the Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections. Patole, it seems, is no longer in a mood to compromise.


Chavan is known for his calm and composed nature. A highly educated politician, he has built a reputation as a technocrat with a clean image.


Chavan faces several challenges. He may have to compete with aggressive leaders like Nana Patole and Vijay Wadettiwar, as well as his long-time rival, Sharad Pawar, the Maratha strongman. Managing these internal dynamics will be crucial for Chavan’s future. Pritviraj Chavan’s political journey has been relatively smooth. He is an alumnus of BITS Pilani and the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied mechanical engineering. Before entering politics, Chavan worked in the U.S. in the fields of aircraft instrumentation and anti-submarine warfare, and later returned to India to become an entrepreneur. His clean, low-profile image has earned him the respect of many, and he has held several key positions, including Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and General Secretary of the All-India Congress Committee.


Chavan’s entry into Maharashtra politics came in 2010 when Sonia Gandhi chose him to replace Ashok Chavan as Chief Minister, following the Adarsh Scam. The Congress leadership wanted to project a clean image, and Chavan was the ideal candidate and they succeeded for a limited period. Before the state elections of 2014 both the alliances – NCP-CONGRESS & SENA -BJP parted ways which befitted the BJP largely and Modi wave was also the major reason. The corruption charges on the NCP leaders like Ajit Pawar , Hassan Mushrif etc damaged the parties name & Senior Pawar blames everything to this to Prihtviraj Chavan who was the chief minister that point of time.


Maharashtra’s political scenario has changed drastically since 2014, and the state is once again at the centre of a high-stakes political battle. The BJP, which held significant sway until 2019, faced a major setback when Sharad Pawar played a pivotal role in keeping them out of power. The Shiv Sena revolt, which led to Eknath Shinde becoming Chief Minister, further complicated the political landscape.

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