Early Life and Education
Raju Parulekar was born on December 4, 1968, in the picturesque town of Vengurla, Maharashtra. His academic journey began with an honors degree in ICWA, reflecting his early inclination toward structured and analytical thinking. Later, he pursued a Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication, which marked the beginning of his foray into the world of media and writing. Simultaneously, he started contributing articles to newspapers and magazines, laying the foundation for his illustrious career.
Professional Milestones
Journalism and Mass Communication
Raju Parulekar’s career in journalism gained momentum with a fellowship at Oxfam in 1994-95. His research paper on ‘Sugarcane Cutters’ showcased his ability to delve deeply into socio-economic issues. Over the years, he collaborated with several national and international organizations as a political analyst, offering sharp insights into India’s political landscape.
Television Contributions
In 2002, Raju became the face of the popular ETV Marathi show Sanvad, where he not only hosted the program but also handled its research. The show, which focuses on unsung heroes from various fields, has aired more than 2,500 episodes and continues to run successfully.
Literary Ventures
Raju’s literary journey includes writing columns for leading publications like Saamna, Maharashtra Times, Loksatta, Mahanagar, and Lokprabha. These columns reflect his expertise as a political analyst and his keen observations on social issues.
Fiction and Screenwriting
Raju also made a mark in the entertainment industry, contributing stories, screenplays, and dialogues for daily television soaps, short stories, and films. His versatility across different media formats underscores his creative prowess.
Awards and Recognitions
| Year | Award/Honor | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Rapa Award | Excellence in Television |
| 2003 | Loksatta Yuvonmesh Award | Contribution to Journalism |
| 2004 | Felicitation at Shaniwar Wada Cultural Fest | Exemplary Work in Writing |
| 2006 | State Award | Best Book of the Year (Ideas Are Dangerous) |
| 2008 | Rashtragaurav Puraskar | Journalism Excellence |
| 2008 | Acharya Atre Puraskar | Literary Contributions |
Books Authored
| Title | Publication Date | Description |
| Ideas Are Dangerous | December 25, 2023 | A critical analysis of Maharashtra’s socio-political landscape. |
| Manase: Bhetaleli Na Bhetaleli | January 1, 2019 | Encounters with notable individuals and their profound impact on the author. |
| In the Quest for Political Philosophy | January 1, 2017 | Explorations in political ideologies and their relevance to contemporary society. |
| The Game-Changers | January 1, 2017 | Chronicles of transformative figures in modern history. |
| Dhunmast Pravasi Aani Me | January 1, 2015 | Personal anecdotes and reflections from Raju’s travels. |
| Hoy, Ha Maharashtradharm Ahe! | January 1, 2016 | Essays on the ethos and values defining Maharashtra’s cultural identity. |
| Te Ani Mi | January 1, 2016 | Insights into the interplay of personal relationships and societal expectations. |
Personal Life
Raju Parulekar’s personal life is deeply rooted in his family. He is the son of Shri. Naresh Parulekar and is married to Supriya Parulekar. The couple is blessed with a daughter, Priyank Parulekar. Despite his professional commitments, Raju maintains a strong connection with his family and values their support in his endeavors.
Current Role
At present, Raju Parulekar serves as a Consultant Editor for SAAM television, an info-entertainment channel under the Sakaal Group of Newspapers. This role allows him to blend his journalistic acumen with modern broadcasting techniques to engage diverse audiences.
