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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.”

Why More Women Are Choosing Entrepreneurship?

Fempreneurs are reshaping the business world — creating, collaborating, and inspiring across generations. Their journey is a powerful reminder that age and dreams know no limits.

You must have heard the terms 'Entrepreneurs' and 'Women Entrepreneurs'. But have you heard of the term floating around, i.e., 'Fempreneur'?


Fempreneur is a community that provides a platform for women entrepreneurs to interact, learn, build networks, grow, and support their counterparts.


Why Women Choose Entrepreneurship

Flexibility: Gives immense flexibility to operate and run the show at their convenience and however they want.


Gives a sense of independence: It enables women to balance work and home and attain a sense of satisfaction of making a mark for themselves without shedding their other areas of responsibility. This makes them guilt-free and more determined.


Additional income: Provides extra earnings, boosting their financial independence and confidence alongside valuable learning experiences.


Age and Entrepreneurship

There is no specific age for entrepreneurship. We find young-aged entrepreneurs (aged 20-35), middle-aged entrepreneurs (aged 35-55), and old-aged entrepreneurs (aged 55+).


Pros and cons

Young-Aged entrepreneurs: These are the ones who have the courage and vigour to dive very early on, as the crucial factors of age and time are in their hands. Hence, the risk factor is substantially low, and any debacle would be undeterred, as bouncing back would be easier. However, the biggest challenges for them would be financial inflow, establishing a huge network, and building an experience that consumes time in establishing oneself.


Middle-aged entrepreneurs: These individuals seek to fulfill long-held dreams — aspirations of building an identity they once set aside to prioritise family or household responsibilities. Now, they revive those dreams and yearn to reclaim the life they once envisioned. Having navigated many of life’s twists and turns, they have mastered the art of adaptability. Resources are usually less of a constraint, but with experience comes wisdom: they are careful to assess risks realistically and make calculated moves.


Networking can be a challenge, as many of their prime years were spent away from broader social circles. Now, they seek transformation, stepping out of their cocoon to shine like silk. 


Old-aged entrepreneurs: These are the ones with extensive knowledge, grit, and experience, sure of rebuilding their second innings. Often financially stable, but the challenge for these would be to adapt to new technology, as they are used to traditional methodologies. Less tech-savvy which demand time to adapt to the latest innovations.


Nevertheless, 'age is just a number'.


Characteristics of Fempreneurs

· They are big dreamers.

· They are passionate about work and grab opportunities.

· They are multitaskers.

· They like to set their own clock.

· They are confident.

· They are responsible and have a desire to grow.

· They believe in themselves.

· They are learners.

· They like to work independently.

· They learn from life.

· They dream of success.

· They are fearless of bias and opinions.

· They are dynamic and love life.

· They focus on self-improvement.

· They inspire and create an aura of positivity.

· They are always presentable and make a statement.

· They support another woman's rise.

· They practise gratitude.


Fempreneur - the building blocks

Undoubtedly, fempreneurs are the building blocks of a nation, playing a key role in economic growth by creating jobs and empowering others. Their efforts drive higher gender equality, break societal stereotypes, and promote a more progressive society. By dreaming big and turning aspirations into reality through determination, they inspire other women to follow the same rewarding path.


They do face challenges, which they learn to cope with and operate seamlessly. When these women choose lending hands over competition, the scale of success would be unfathomable, as time and again they have proven their abilities and leadership qualities. When there is a sense of sisterhood, the equation changes amongst them, and a more harmonious, collaborative environment arises, which benefits a larger mass.


Walk together with hands held together, as the quote says, "When women gather together in a circle, the world heals a little better."


I have been blessed and lucky enough to be a part of such communities, and I see myself learning, growing, and evolving.


Come, let's walk together and make a huge difference.


(The author is an educator based in Thane.)

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