- Telangana Mourns: Ande Sri Passes Away
- Ande Sri was a true self-made man who overcame staggering odds
The Telugu literary world mourns the loss of the legendary poet and lyricist Ande Yellaiah, universally known by his poetic name, Ande Sri. He passed away on Monday, after a prolonged illness, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that resonated deeply with the common people of Telangana. Andesri was born on July 18, 1961, in Rebarthi, located in the Siddipet district, but the circumstances of his early life were exceptionally harsh and challenging. He was a true self-made man who overcame staggering odds.
From Shepherd to Scholar
His childhood was marked by deep uncertainty and struggle, as he grew up effectively as an orphan. The poet never knew the identity of his parents nor the location of his true hometown, a profound sense of rootlessness that undoubtedly influenced the poignant, emotionally rich nature of his later work. To simply survive, he toiled as a shepherd for a considerable time. Remarkably, this demanding life in the fields, devoid of any formal structure, became the unlikely birthplace of his poetic genius. He had no kind of formal education; his knowledge and skill were self-taught and honed by his deep connection to the land and the lives of the working class.
From his humble beginnings, Ande Sri’s journey as a poet flourished. He became an incredibly prolific writer, composing not just countless songs but also an astonishing volume of over 3,000 standalone poems. His verses spoke the language of the people direct, honest, and filled with the struggles and aspirations of the common man. His ability to articulate these deep societal feelings brought him immense recognition. The quality and impact of his songwriting were formally acknowledged when his lyrical masterpiece,
“Maayamai Pothundamma Manishanavadu,” featured in the film Erra Samudram, was selected by the Andhra Pradesh University’s syllabus committee. Starting in the 2009 academic year, the song was included in the Telugu second year graduation text books. This was an extraordinary honour, making it only the third song from Telugu cinema’s then 77-year history to be elevated to an academic syllabus, following only “Maa Telugu Thalliki” and “Telugu Jathi Manadi.” For his profound and unparalleled contributions as a lyricist, Kakatiya University fittingly bestowed upon him an honorary doctorate, recognizing his status as a true folk intellectual.
The Voice of the Telangana Movement
However, Ande Sri’s influence transcended literature; he was a pivotal force in the Telangana movement. He played a prominent role in the decade-long struggle, acting as the voice and the conscience of the people. His songs were not mere entertainment; they were powerful, emotional rallies for activists, perfectly capturing the collective yearning and aspirations for a separate Telangana state.
His work instilled hope and unity, proving that poetry could indeed drive political and social change. His ultimate contribution, a lasting monument to his patriotic fervour, was writing the official state anthem of Telangana, “Jaya Jaya Hey Telangana, Janani Jaya Kethanam,” which was formally adopted by the government in February 2024.
His sacrifices and contributions were justly celebrated when he was awarded a significant Rs. 1 crore cash award at the Telangana Formation Day celebrations held in the Parade Grounds, Secunderabad, on June 2, 2025. Though his voice has now been silenced by illness, Andesri’s legacy the songs, the poems, and the official anthem will continue to inspire future generations.
Deputy Editor, Prime Post
With an illustrious career spanning 29 years in the dynamic field of journalism, Anand Gantela is a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to both print and electronic media. His wealth of experience reflects a deep understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of news reporting.
