Hyderabad: Renowned poet Ande Sri, best known as the author of Telangana’s iconic national song ‘Jaya Jaya He Telangana’, passed away at the age of 64 on Monday.
According to officials, the poet – whose real name is Ande Yellaiah – was found lying unconscious at his residence in Hyderabad on Monday morning. Family members rushed him to Gandhi Hospital where doctors declared him brought dead. The cause of death is a suspected heart attack. He was reportedly hypertensive and experienced excessive sweating two days ago.
A celebrated figure in the literary and cultural circles of Telangana, Ande Sri played a significant role in the Telangana statehood movement through his songs and writings. His composition “Jaya Jaya He Telangana” was officially adopted as the national song by the Congress government after it came to power in December 2023.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao, BRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao and several other leaders expressed grief over his death. In a statement, the Chief Minister described Ande Sri’s demise as a “huge loss to the literary and cultural world of Telangana” and ordered his funeral to be held with full state honours.
The Internet is responding
Reacting to the news of Ande Sri’s passing, one user wrote: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Ande Sri Garu, a poet who gave Telangana its soulful voice through his powerful words. His writings will forever inspire generations. My condolences to his family and admirers.”
Another user wrote: “Deeply saddened by the demise of legendary poet and lyricist Ande Sri garu. His immortal ‘Jaya Jaya He Telangana’ became the heart of the statehood movement and now stands proudly as our official national song.”
“Ande Sri Poet Laureate of Telangana. Someone who inspired us stops singing. Really sad day for Telangana,” wrote a third user.
