Shri Kethavath Somlal Biography: Age, Career, Books, Awards & Padma Shri

Shri Kethavath Somlal Biography: Age, Family, Career, Books, Awards & More

Shri Kethavath Somlal is an Indian social worker, author, folk artist, and cultural activist from the Lambadi (Banjara) community. He is widely known for his lifelong efforts in preserving and promoting Banjara language, literature, folk songs, and cultural heritage. He has authored literary works, translated the Bhagavad Gita into the Lambadi language, and received several prestigious honours for his contribution to tribal culture.

Bio/Wiki

Personal Life

Education

Shri Kethavath Somlal completed his higher education at Osmania University, Hyderabad. He earned the following qualifications:

• M.A.
• M.Phil.
• B.Ed.
• LL.B.

After completing his education, he joined the State Bank of India, where he served for many years. He opted for Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) in 2013 while serving as a Deputy Manager.

Career

Along with his banking career, Shri Somlal dedicated himself to preserving the cultural identity of the Banjara community. He collected traditional folk songs from different Tandas, produced music albums, performed on public stages, and appeared on All India Radio and Doordarshan to spread awareness about education and social reform.

In 1986, he authored and published the drama "Tholi Velugu."

In 1987, he contributed to the Andhra Bhoomi daily newspaper by writing the history of the Banjara community titled "Coolie lu Palerlu ga marina okappati Raja Putra Lambadilu."

He has also written and recorded devotional songs based on the lives of:

• Sant Sri Sevalal Maharaj
• Hathiram Bavoji
• Merama Mai
• Tulja Bhavani
• Venkateswara Swamy
• Anjaneya Swamy

Contribution to the Lambadi Language

In 1990, Shri Somlal translated 701 shlokas of the Bhagavad Gita into the Lambadi language.

He submitted the manuscript to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Press for free publication. After 23 years of continuous efforts, the Banjara Bhagavad Gita was published in 2014. The publication was released during the Tirumala Sri Vari Brahmotsavam by Chief Justice H.L. Dattu and Justice N.V. Ramana.

To preserve the Lambadi language, he later authored the Banjara Telugu Padakosham, which was published by the Department of Tribal Welfare, Government of Telangana, in 2021.

Awards & Honours

• 2001 – Banjara Janapada Brahma (All India Banjara Seva Sangh)
• 2006 – Swarna Kankanam (Gold Bracelet) for inspirational songs and social service
• 2013 – Banjara Kala Ratna (Heera Bai Banjara Memorial Trust)
• 2017 – Uttama Kalakar (Best Artist) Award by the Chief Minister of Telangana
• 2017 – Best Folk Artist Award by the Department of Language and Culture, Government of Telangana
• 2020 – Banjara Ratna (Swamy Naik Memorial Society)
• Padma Shri – Honoured for his contribution to Banjara language, culture, and heritage.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Shri Kethavath Somlal

• He belongs to the Scheduled Tribe Lambadi (Banjara) community.
• He worked as a Deputy Manager at the State Bank of India before taking voluntary retirement in 2013.
• He has collected and preserved traditional Banjara folk songs from various Tandas.
• His literary work "Tholi Velugu" was published in 1986.
• He translated 701 Bhagavad Gita shlokas into the Lambadi language.
• His translated Banjara Bhagavad Gita was published by TTD after 23 years of persistent efforts.
• He authored the Banjara Telugu Padakosham, published by the Telangana Government in 2021.
• He has received several prestigious honours for his contribution to Banjara art, language, and culture.