My Mentor, Friend, and Inspiration in Journalism: Gokuldas Mulvi

 My Mentor, Friend, and Inspiration in Journalism: Gokuldas Mulvi

By John Aguiar

The passing of senior journalist, litterateur, teacher, former Sarpanch of Bandora Panchayat, and founding President of the Ponda Taluka Journalists Association, Gokuldas R. Mulvi (80), marks the end of an era in Goa's journalistic, literary, and cultural landscape. His lifelong contributions as an educator, journalist, playwright, and social thinker have left an indelible mark on Goan society. For me, however, his demise is much more personal—it is the loss of my mentor, guide, and dear friend.

I first met Gokuldas Mulvi during my college days at Kavlem, where we attended a meeting together. Until then, I had always admired the uniform and dreamt of pursuing a career connected with the armed forces. But meeting Mulvi Sir changed the course of my life. His passion for journalism, mastery of the Marathi language, and unwavering commitment to society inspired me to enter the field of journalism. That single encounter became the turning point of my career.

While serving as a teacher at Lokmanya Tilak High School, Ponda, he simultaneously built a distinguished career in journalism spanning nearly five decades. He was known for his fearless, objective, and forthright reporting. His writings consistently reflected a commitment to truth and public welfare.

Mulvi Sir also made significant contributions to literature. He authored numerous Marathi and Konkani plays, one-act plays, short story collections, biographical sketches, and essays. Among his published works are Tu Aai Ahes Ka?, Ugha Manus..., Ha Palna Mayecha, Vadhastambh, Mook Purush, Krantijyot, Katha Eka Vyathechi, Pratibimb, Vyaktirang, Manus Ki Pashu?, Manavateche Pujari, Pratima, and Sanskritik Salokha. His autobiographical work, Satya Shodhatana (In Search of Truth), also received considerable acclaim.

His play Tu Aai Ahes Ka? became one of the most talked-about dramas in Goa. Based on a true incident, it portrayed the tragic story of a mother who killed her own son. Another notable work, Vadhastambh, depicted the story of Peter alias Kumar, the only convict to have been executed in Goa. Through such works, Mulvi Sir demonstrated an extraordinary ability to transform real-life events into powerful theatre while highlighting profound social issues and human emotions.

My own journalistic career began as the Ponda Correspondent for the Konkani page of O Heraldo. Later, I worked with West Coast Times, Gomantak, and Herald. During those years, Mulvi Sir and I worked closely together and developed a strong professional bond.

A defining moment came when we attended the Mofussil Correspondents' Convention organized by the Marathi Patrakar Sangh in Panaji. It was there that the idea of forming a journalists' association for Ponda Taluka first emerged. Mulvi Sir immediately embraced the proposal. With the support of senior journalist Shri Ratnakar Pawaskar, a meeting was convened at Hotel Pearl, Ponda, resulting in the formation of the Ponda Taluka Journalists Association, the first taluka-level journalists' association in Goa.

Gokuldas Mulvi was unanimously elected President, while I had the honour of serving as Secretary. This pioneering initiative later inspired the establishment of similar journalists' associations across the State.

What made our association special was the trust we shared. Although we represented different newspapers, there was never any sense of rivalry. We freely exchanged information, discussed story ideas, and even shared exclusive news, believing that journalism was ultimately about serving the public rather than competing with one another. That philosophy remains one of the greatest lessons I learned from him.

Beyond journalism and literature, Mulvi Sir made valuable contributions to Goa's cultural life. He was instrumental in establishing the Swarasamragni Girijatai Kelekar Memorial Music Sammelan at Farmagudi. 

Through his efforts, support was secured from Dena Bank with the assistance of then Union Minister Shri Eduardo Faleiro. Today, the annual music festival continues to be held at the Gopal Ganapati Temple premises, standing as a lasting testament to his cultural vision.

Together, we highlighted numerous civic and social issues affecting Ponda and its surrounding villages. Working alongside him taught me the unwritten principles of journalism—integrity, perseverance, humility, and the courage to pursue truth without fear or favour. These values became the foundation of my own career.

As I bid farewell to Mulvi Sir today, I remember not only his accomplishments but also his generosity in nurturing young journalists. He was always willing to guide, encourage, and share his knowledge. His influence extended far beyond the newsroom, shaping lives and strengthening journalism in Goa.

Goa has lost a distinguished journalist, a gifted writer, a dedicated teacher, a remarkable playwright, and a committed cultural activist.

I have lost the man who showed me the path to journalism.

His words, wisdom, and values will continue to guide me throughout my life.

May the soul of Gokuldas Mulvi rest in eternal peace.

Om Shanti.