Renowned Telangana Poet Ande Sri Passes Away at 64
Hyderabad: Ande Sri, the esteemed poet and lyricist celebrated for composing the Telangana state anthem “Jaya Jayahe Telangana,” passed away on November 10, 2025, at the age of 64. He succumbed to a sudden illness while undergoing treatment at Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad.
Early Life and Literary Contributions
Born on July 18, 1961, in Rebarthi village of Siddipet district, Ande Sri, originally named Ande Yellaiah, faced a challenging childhood as an orphan. Despite lacking formal education, he emerged as a prominent figure in Telugu literature and the Telangana statehood movement. His compositions, deeply rooted in folk traditions, resonated with the aspirations of the people, notably during the struggle for a separate Telangana state.
State Anthem and Honors
Ande Sri’s most significant contribution was penning “Jaya Jayahe Telangana,” which became the official state anthem in February 2024. This song played a pivotal role in uniting the people during the statehood movement. In recognition of his contributions, Kakatiya University awarded him an honorary doctorate, and in June 2025, the Telangana government honored him with a ₹1 crore cash award during the State Formation Day celebrations.
Condolences from Leaders
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed profound grief over Ande Sri’s demise, describing it as a “huge loss to the Telangana literary world.” He recalled their discussions during the composition of the state anthem and instructed officials to perform the last rites with state honors. Former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao also mourned the poet’s passing, highlighting his significant role in the cultural movement that led to Telangana’s statehood.
Legacy and Final Rites
Ande Sri’s works, including the acclaimed song “Maayamai Pothundamma Manishanavadu,” have left an indelible mark on Telugu literature and the cultural identity of Telangana. His last rites are scheduled to be performed with official honors, as directed by the state government.
