When a patient comes to us, the first attempt is to relax him/her,” says Dr. Navin Futela, a renowned dentist residing on Sohna Road. His charming wife, Dr. Meenakshi, also a dentist, echoes his thoughts. “Over the years, we have developed a personal relationship with most who visit our clinic. Apart from relieving pain and discomfort, a small chat helps to make the patient comfortable.”
Dr. Navin and his wife settled in Gurgaon after graduating from King George’s Medical College, Lucknow. When asked how Gurgaon has changed in terms of medical facilities, Dr. Navin says, “When we first came to Gurgaon, there was a scarcity of doctors and medical facilities. Privat and Umkal were among the few private hospitals. Residents used to travel to Delhi for their medical problems. With the arrival of Medanta, Paras and Artemis, several doctors have migrated to Gurgaon and made it their home. The scope of dentistry has widened. The educated middle class has also become more aware of dental hygiene.”
The couple is happy to see their City grow and evolve into a modern hub of entertainment and education. They find it reassuring to see various informal groups, who help to create awareness on social issues. They feel that like-minded citizens, with interests in books, music, theatre, sport and citizen empowerment are coming together, to keep the fervour alive.
The apathy towards civic issues concerns Dr. Futela. “I am apprehensive. Monsoons will soon knock at our doors. Our Clinic is in the South City I market. This place gets flooded after just one heavy downpour. One has to literally wade through the water to reach the Clinic. Power woes are another area of concern.”
The couple reside in UniWorld Gardens, on Sohna Road. The news that Sohna road will soon be widened and beautified heartens the couple. “A decade ago, Sohna Road was considered only for investment. No one wanted to come and live here. Due to the construction activities, the stretch between Subhash Chowk and Badshahpur crossing was mostly enveloped in a dust haze. Today, Sohna Road holds the potential of becoming another MG Road. Most residential and commercial projects are on the verge of completion. The inauguration of Bikanerwala at ILD Trade Centre, and the arrival of Mc Donalds, and Shoppers Stop in Spaze Tech Park will fuel commercial growth,” enthuses Dr. Futela.
The couple has two school going daughters, Shreedha and Paridhi. “Since both of us are working, we strive hard to strike a work-life balance. It isn’t easy when you have two young kids at home,” says Dr. Meenakshi. According to her, there is a lot that the City offers. “I find that there is a lot to engage in. I love the sense of space, the entertainment options, and educational opportunities that Gurgaon provides. The working professionals, doctors and teachers ensure rich conversations and a pleasurable social life.”
With their amiable nature and years of experience as dentists, the couple aim to make Gurgaon smile beautifully.
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