Somla Dada SP Naik Maharaj

1. Basic Information

  • Full Name: Ajmeer Srinu

  • Stage Name: Somla Dada SP Naik Maharaj

  • Profession: Poet, Folk Singer, Spiritual Teacher, Motivational Speaker, Cultural Ambassador

  • Community: Banjara

Somla Dada SP Naik Maharaj

Ajmeer Srinu, better known by his stage name Somla Dada SP Naik Maharaj, is a beloved figure in the Banjara community. A gifted poet, folk singer, spiritual teacher, and motivational speaker, he is also a passionate cultural ambassador. Over the years, he has devoted his life to celebrating and preserving the rich culture, traditions, language, and spiritual wisdom of the Banjaras. Through his heartfelt songs, inspiring speeches, and vibrant performances, he has brought the spirit of his community to life in villages and tribal hamlets across the region.

Early Life and Background

Somla Dada was born in Deva Naik Thanda, a small tribal hamlet in Nandaram village, located in Husnabad Mandal, Karimnagar District, Telangana, India. He grew up in a modest Banjara family, the son of Pantulu Naik and Mankti Bai. The third of seven children—four sisters and three brothers—his early life was shaped by both hardship and resilience. Tragedy struck when he lost his father at a young age. In the face of this loss, his elder brother Veeranna stepped in to support the family, while their mother worked tirelessly as a daily wage laborer to ensure her children could go to school. It was during his time at Ramarao ZPHS School that young Srinu found his calling. Encouraged by his teacher, Ramya Madam, he began singing simple folk songs—an early spark that ignited his lifelong love for music and poetry.

Cultural and Musical Journey

Inspired by the few Banjara poets and singers of his time, Somla Dada dreamed of becoming a voice for his community. His artistic journey began when he joined the Praja Natya Mandali troupe, led by Balaiah in Husnabad, where he started performing folk songs that resonated deeply with local audiences.  As the Telangana Movement gained momentum, Somla Dada became an active participant. He poured his passion into writing and performing powerful revolutionary songs that inspired the youth and rallied support for the cause. Through his lyrics and his voice, he gave expression to the pride, struggles, and rich cultural heritage of the Banjara people. For Somla Dada, music is far more than entertainment. His songs serve as tools for education, awareness, and cultural preservation. He continues to travel from village to village, performing live and sharing messages of Banjara identity, unity, and spiritual awakening, keeping the spirit of his community alive with every performance.

Spiritual Contributions

Somla Dada is also a deeply spiritual soul. Over the years, he has composed, written, and performed countless devotional songs that have played a significant role in sparking a spiritual revival within the Banjara community. His heartfelt compositions beautifully bring to life the teachings and stories of revered spiritual figures, including:

  • Sant Sri Sevalal Maharaj, the legendary saint of the Banjara people

  • Hathiram Bavoji

  • Merama Mai

  • Tulja Bhavani

  • Venkateswara Swamy

  • Anjaneya Swamy         

  • Today, these devotional songs are widely played in Banjara hamlets and at spiritual gatherings, helping people reconnect with their faith, traditions, and cultural roots.

Service to the Banjara Community

Somla Dada has become a guiding light for the Banjara community, particularly for its youth and women. Through his tireless efforts, he has helped foster a renewed sense of identity, pride, and cultural belonging. His contributions include:

  • Reviving traditional Banjara practices and customs through art and performance

  • Promoting the Banjara language and rich folklore through literature and music

  • Inspiring and empowering tribal youth, instilling a strong sense of identity and motivation

  • Organizing and participating in cultural awareness programs across remote tribal regions

  • Reinstating faith and spiritual values among the Banjara people through devotional songs and inspirational speeches

Through these efforts, Somla Dada continues to nurture a strong cultural and spiritual foundation for future generations of the Banjara community.