Draft:Atul Kulkarni

Atul Kulkarni is an esteemed Journalist and Editor currently serving as the Editor at Lokmat's Mumbai edition. His career in Journalism began in 1986 in Latur district, Maharashtra, India, marking the start of a distinguished journey in the field of media and reporting.

Early Career and Background
Kulkarni's entry into journalism dates back to 1986 in Latur, Maharashtra. Over the years, he has worked in various cities including Aurangabad, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Pandharpur, Kolhapur, and Mumbai. His career trajectory is notable for its geographic diversity and the breadth of experience gained across different regions.

Focus on Social Issues
Throughout his career, Kulkarni has been known for his focus on social issues. He has been recognized for his relentless approach in exposing and criticizing the flaws and maladies of the system. His reporting is characterized by a deep commitment to Social justice and Accountability.

Impact and Recognition
Kulkarni's work has had a significant impact. Notably, nine of his reports on various subjects were converted into Public Interest Litigations by the Mumbai and Aurangabad High Courts. This achievement is a rare feat for a reporter and underscores the societal impact of his work.

Awards and Honors
Kulkarni's contributions to journalism have been recognized with several awards:


 * Twice honored with the 'P.V. Gadgil Award for Investigative Journalism'.
 * Received the 'Lokmat Award for Best Report'.
 * Awarded the 'Sitabai Bhagwat Award for Critics'.
 * His article in the 'Jata Jata' column, focusing on the elevation of the social status of women, won him the 'Ladli Media Gender Sensitivity Award'.

Reporting Highlights
His news series have covered a range of critical issues:


 * Chaos in the Department of Irrigation & Transport in the Maharashtra government.
 * The politics surrounding the illicit Matka business (Gambling) and associated crime.
 * Issues in housing projects managed by MHADA.

These reports have garnered widespread acclaim for their depth and investigative quality.

International Reporting
Kulkarni was part of the team of journalists that accompanied former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee to the SAARC Meet held in Pakistan. His dispatches from the conference were noted for their human touch and insightful analysis beyond the immediate news.

Literary Contributions
Apart from journalism, Kulkarni has contributed to Literature. He translated the Hindi book by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay into Marathi, titled 'LUKA'. He also writes a political Satire column, 'Adhun Madhun', in 'Lokmat Daily' (all editions including Hindi), which enjoys wide readership.