Manoj Kulkarni
The story of Manoj Kulkarni is not just a career timeline; it is a beautiful narrative of a boy from a tiny village who carried the scent of his soil to the grand studios of a news channel. Born in the quiet village of Trikoli in Dharashiv, his early years were shaped by the simplistic charm of Zilla Parishad schools in Trikoli and Mulaj. These rustic roots later became the foundation of his deep, empathetic writing.
His academic path led him from the corridors of Chhatrapati Shivaji College in Omerga to the prestigious Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. It was here, while still a student of journalism, that destiny knocked on his door. He was selected for ETV Marathi News, Maharashtra’s first-ever Marathi news channel. This began a five-year odyssey (2005-2010) at the iconic Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad—a period that transformed a dreamer into a professional.
However, his heart always beat for Sambhajinagar. Driven by this deep-rooted affection, he returned in 2010 to join Dainik Sakal. It was during this time that his pen began to dance across the pages of Saptarang and Career Mantra. Through his his column Love Story, he explored the nuances of life, blending observation with emotion.
In 2014, a new chapter unfolded at Maharashtra Times. This was a golden era of his writing. He didn’t just report news; he told human stories. Through columns like "Julyanchi Goshta" (The Story of Twins), "Sahyog" (The Struggle of Social Institutions), and "Agnipath" (The Hardships of Artists), he gave a voice to the unheard. During election seasons, he donned the satirical persona of 'Mannubhai Aurangabadi', using wit and humor to hold leaders accountable—a series that became a household favorite.
As the world shifted, so did Manoj. In 2021, he embraced the future by joining TV9 Marathi’s digital wing, and today, he stands as the Editor of Divya Marathi Digital (Bhaskar Group).
The world has recognized this "writing hand" (Lihita Haat) with immense love and prestigious honors. From the Devarshi Narad Yuva Award (2018) to the Vijay Suryawanshi Smriti Award (2020), his journey reached a pinnacle on January 6, 2023, when he received the Chauthastambha (Fourth Estate) Award at the hands of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Beyond journalism, Manoj is a literary soul. His short story collection, "Adhich Aksharancha Pravas," and his debut novel, "Chigur," stand as testaments to his creative spirit. His journey remains a humble reminder that no matter how far you go, your words always find their way back to the heart.
