Renowned Telugu poet Ande Sri, the creator of Telangana’s official state anthem “Jaya Jayahe Telangana,” passed away in Hyderabad on Monday. He was 64 years old. Family members reportedly found him lying unconscious at his residence in the morning and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. Despite efforts to revive him, he could not be saved. His death marks the loss of one of Telangana’s most influential literary voices, a poet whose words captured the aspirations of a generation.

Ande Sri, also known as Andeshri, had been battling severe health issues for several months. In a video message released earlier, he had spoken candidly about his deteriorating condition, saying he was uncertain how long he would live. “Doctors told me I might not live beyond another year and a half,” he had said in a tone of acceptance that deeply moved his followers. According to sources, representatives from the Nadigar Sangam have stepped in to oversee his funeral arrangements, as the poet reportedly had no close family members to perform his last rites.

Born into poverty and orphaned at a young age, Ande Sri’s rise to prominence was nothing short of remarkable. He was largely self-taught, with no formal schooling, yet his mastery over language, rhythm, and emotion earned him admiration from literary circles and common people alike. His early poems reflected the everyday struggles of the poor, farmers, and labourers, blending simplicity with raw emotional power. Over time, his writings became synonymous with the cultural and political identity of Telangana.

Ande Sri played a crucial role during the Telangana movement, which ultimately led to the formation of the new state in 2014. His compositions gave voice to the people’s collective dream of self-determination and justice. Among these, “Jaya Jayahe Telangana” became a rallying cry, capturing the pride and spirit of the movement. After the formation of the state, the Telangana government officially recognised the song as the state anthem, a gesture that sealed his place in history.

His poetry was not just lyrical but deeply political, often questioning systems of power and calling for equality. Former Naxalite and Congress MLA Danasari Seethakka paid tribute to him, recalling how his words had become an anthem of resistance. “His songs and writings were the very breath of the Telangana movement. They will continue to echo the aspirations of our people. His ‘Jaya Jayahe Telangana’ will live on as long as Telangana exists,” she wrote on X.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who assumed office in December 2023, had earlier honoured Ande Sri for his contribution to Telangana’s identity. The gesture was widely praised, especially within Dalit and literary communities, as Ande Sri represented the voice of marginalized people through his socially conscious work. His songs often carried a distinctive Telangana dialect and cultural tone, filled with rustic charm and emotional depth.

In addition to his political and social writings, Ande Sri also made his mark in Telugu cinema, penning lyrics that combined poetic elegance with regional authenticity. His film songs were appreciated for their emotional resonance and distinct Telangana flavour. Though he transitioned into film songwriting, he remained rooted in the soil of his state, using his art to express pride, pain, and hope.

His passing leaves a void in Telangana’s literary and cultural landscape. The man who once wrote verses celebrating the land and its people has now become part of its history. For millions of Telangana residents, Ande Sri’s words will continue to inspire pride in their heritage. His legacy endures in every rendition of “Jaya Jayahe Telangana,” the anthem that continues to unite hearts across the state.