Kethavath Somlal

Kethavath Somlal (born; 8 August 1959) is an Indian writer, translator, and folk artist from Telangana. He is a member of the Lambadi community and is known for his work in documenting and promoting Banjara culture and language. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 2024 for his contributions to literature and education.

Early life and career Somlal was born on 8 August 1959 in Akuthota Bavi Thanda, a hamlet in the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana. He completed his higher education at Osmania University in Hyderabad, earning a Master of Arts, a Master of Philosophy, a Bachelor of Education, and a Bachelor of Laws.

Cultural and literary work Somlal has collected and performed traditional folk songs from rural Banjara settlements known as tandas. He has recorded musical albums and performed on All India Radio and Doordarshan.

In 1986, he published the play Tholi Velugu. In 1987, he wrote a historical account of the Banjara community titled Coolie lu Palerlu ga marina okappati Raja Putra Lambadilu, which was serialized in the Andhra Bhoomi newspaper. He submitted the manuscript to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam press. The press published the Banjara Bhagavad Gita in 2014. The book was released by the then Chief Justice of India, H. L. Dattu, and Justice N. V. Ramana during the Tirumala Srivari Brahmotsavam. In 2021, the Department of Tribal Welfare of the Telangana government published his Lambadi-Telugu dictionary, the Banjara Telugu Padakosham. In 2024, he received the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award.