Maharashtra Konacha

I recently did a show for SAAM TV titled 'Maharashtra Konacha'.

On this show top political leaders were called in and I asked them what Maharashtra meant for them, their plans for Maharashtra and how they envisioned Maharashtra.

I received varied answers and opinions from them.

The leaders who graced my show were Ex-Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Ex-Deputy Chief Minister R.R Patil, Deputy Chief-Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, Shiv Sena Executive Prseident Udddhav Thackeray, MNS Chief Raj Thackeray, Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and BJP National General Secretary Gopinath Munde.

In the second last episode Anna Hazare, a known social-activist was invited who commented on each and every leader who had graced the show.

The last episode I summed up with my analysis.

But you haven't heard the last from me.

Very soon I will be back with fresh episodes of 'Maharashtra Konacha' with more grandeur and a different look and perspective.

Namaskar, Me... Raju Parulekar.........

Biographical Note

Raju Parulekar born on December 4, 1968 at Vengurla.

I took my honors in ICWA.

Later went on to pursue a Diploma in Journalism & Mass Communication and simultaneously began writing for newspapers and magazines.

In 1994-95 did a fellowship with Oxfam and wrote a paper on ‘Sugarcane Cutters’.

Since then I have worked with many National-International organizations as a Political Analyst.

My brief stint with Fiction on television was a huge success as I wrote Story, screenplay and Dialogues for daily television soap and short stories and Films.

Have also written columns for major newspapers, Saamna, Maharashtra Times, Loksatta, Mahanagar, Lokprabha in the capacity of Political Analyst.


Have penned written daily columns in Mumbai Times on Saturday, Maharashtra Times, Saamna, Sakaal in the capacity of Political Annalyst and a comment on Social Situations.

In 2002, daily show ‘Sanvad’ went on air on ETV Marathi, where I hosted the show and also took care of the research. The show has completed more then 2500 episodes and is still running successfully.
Here, I interact with people who have done extraordinary work in their fields but who are not in limelight.

Awards and Honors

In 2003, honored with Rapa Award for excellence in Television.

In 2003, honored with Loksatta Yuvonmesh Award.

In 2004 felicitated at Shaniwar wada cultural fest in Pune for exemplary work in the field of writing.

In 2006, my book ‘Ideas are Dangerous’ received the State Award for best book of the year.

July, 2008, Rashtragaurav Puraskar conferred by Influx Foundation for exemplary work in field of Journalism.

August 2008, Acharya Atre Puraskar for contribution in literary field.

Books by Me

I have to my credit two books ‘Ideas are Dangerous’ and ‘Manasa Bhetleli Na Bhetleli’, of which the first book remarks on the socio-political situation in Maharashtra and the later speaks about various dignitaries whom I have met sometime in my life and whom I have never met but have left a mark on me.

At present I am involved with 'SAAM' television as a Consultant Editor.
Its a new info-entertainment channel belonging to the 'Sakaal Group of Newspapers.

About 'Sanvad'

'Samvad' for those who came in late, is an interview based daily breakfast show on ETV Marathi, telecast at 8.00 am.

It all started with a phone call from my friend Mr. Uday Narkar on one July afternoon. He had a rough concept in his mind about the show but he wanted me to host it. I immediately went down to the studio and after exchange of few ideas we chalked the final draft of 'Sanvad'.

I was a bit apprehensive about my appearance on television but after persuasion and a little push I was ready to play the part.

I soon realised the camera loved me and I loved the camera in return. A bond was formed between us. The lens was like a mirror. He was blatantly honest with me and I loved him for that.

Since then I have romanced the lens for the last seven years.

When before the camera I am at ease and I put my guests at ease.

'Sanvad' has successfully completed 3100 episodes and it went off air on 5th Jan 2009. All good things come to an end. But Sanvad will remain forever in everyone's heart. The last seven years were a memorable one for me. The show received a tremendous response as people from all walks of life shared their experiences, passion and their achievements. They poured their hearts out and viewers adored them for that. Top political leaders, Scientists, Writers, Mathematicians, Social- Activists, Entrepreneurs and Common men trudging a less traveled path graced the show.

It recieved many accolades and awards like the RAPA award. 'Sanvad' took me closer to the mass, communicated on one to one basis and gave me honor and appreciation by one and all. 'Sanvad' and Raju Parulekar became synonymous.

'Sanvad' was made memorable by the people who sat in the opposite chair.

It is a record as one single person was instrumental in interviewing such a long list of celebrities and non-celebrities in one program. I have wonderful memories which I am going to share with you through my blog.

Tendulkar (Baba) and Me

My association with baba (Vijay Tendulkar), dates back to the 90's when i moved from one place to another with nothing but a haversack on my back.

Then I was involved with Oxfam and was in midst of completing my fellow-ship on Sugarcane-cutters of Maharashtra.

I remember my first meeting with Baba happened when we were introduced by a common friend Shri. Gangal at Baba's friend's house in Girgaum. He had come across my article in a magazine and wanted to meet me. I went over and then it turned out to be a long association full of warmth and love.

He was a family to me.

A mentor who stood by me, guided me, at times disagreed with my views, adamant and strong on the stand he took, vulnerable but firm when he lost his only son Raju, later lost his doting daughter Priya who incidentally was my close friend, then the loss of his wife.

All these tragedies in a row would have broken any other person but baba accepted them as a part of the life cycle.

In spite of all this he never stopped writing.

Pain was his strength and in pain lay his thoughts.

His death is a big loss to the literary world but also a great personal loss to me.

' तें ' नंतर ............

"लोकप्रभा" मधील माझा मृत्युलेख http://www.loksatta.com/lokprabha/diwali2008/diwa05-2008.htm

Ideas are Dangerous

Ideas are dangerous is a composition of columns based on Political and Social analysis of Maharashtra State.

It has won the National Award for Best Book of the year 2006.

Dilkhullas.com

Dilkhullas is a radio interview program I did for the State Government.

It features interviews with various heads of the government as they speak about the progress their department has done in various fields.

A click on the link below would enable you to tune in to the radio interviews.

http://www.box.net/shared/msa92s9qz3

Maazha Maharashtra

"" I belong to Maharashtra and Maharashtra belongs to me....

I am the son of the soil."".........

I have made my stand on 'Maharashtra' and 'Marathi Manoos' clear before, through my articles published in various newspapers and magazines.

Below is the link for my article published in Lokprabha.
You may read my cover story by clicking on the link below....
" होय, हां महाराष्ट्र धर्मं आहे "
http://www.loksatta.com/lokprabha/20080509/maha.htm

"मुंबई कोणाच्या बापाची?"
मराठी बाण्याचा मराठी झटका http://www.loksatta.com/lokprabha/20081003/cover.htm