Telangana anthem writer Andesri passes away: Renowned Telangana poet and lyricist Ande Sri, who penned the State anthem “Jaya Jayahe Telangana”, passed away in Hyderabad on Sunday night. He was 64. According to The Hindu, the poet collapsed at his residence in Lalapet, Hyderabad after developing severe health complications. His family immediately rushed him to Gandhi Hospital, but despite the doctors’ efforts, he passed away while undergoing treatment.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep grief over his death and announced that Ande Sri would be given a state funeral. Calling it an ‘irreparable loss’ to Telangana’s literary and cultural world, he said Ande Sri’s work would continue to inspire generations.
Telangana’s most loved poets
Born on July 18, 1961, in Rebarthi village of Maddur mandal in Jangaon district, Ande Sri’s original name was Ande Ellayya. Orphaned at a young age and having received no formal education, he went on to become one of Telangana’s most loved poets.
Ande Sri was the Voice of the Telangana Movement. His simple, heartfelt writing about the struggles of everyday people resonated deeply with the people and gave them hope.
His most famous work, ‘Jaya Jayahe Telangana Janani Jaya Ketanam’, became the movement’s official anthem.
Earlier this year, the Congress government officially adopted the song as the State anthem. During the Telangana Formation Day celebrations, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also honoured Ande Sri with a Rs 1 crore cash award for his contributions. The anthem’s new tune was composed by Oscar-winning musician M.M. Keeravani, in consultation with the poet himself.
Songs that touched hearts
Over the years, Ande Sri wrote lyrics for many social and revolutionary films. His popular song ‘Mayamaipothunnadamma Manishannavadu’ along with other works include ‘Palle Neeku Vandanamulammo’ and ‘Jaya Jayahe Telangana Janani Jaya Ketanam.’
Known for his extempore poetry, Ande Sri was admired for his ability to capture raw emotions in simple yet powerful language. In recognition of his literary excellence, Kakatiya University conferred an honorary doctorate on him.
Tributes pour in from across Telangana
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy remembered his personal association with the poet, saying, “Jaya Jayahe Telangana became the collective voice of millions during the statehood movement. Ande Sri awakened the spirit of Telangana through his words, and his contribution will remain eternal.”
Several political and cultural leaders mourned his passing, including BRS chief and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao, Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Rao, former Minister T. Harish Rao, and Health Minister Damodar Rajnarsimha.
They described Ande Sri’s death as a huge loss to Telangana’s cultural and literary identity.
