People’s Poet Ande Sri Passes Away at 64 in Hyderabad
Telangana has lost one of its most beloved literary voices. Eminent poet and lyricist Dr. Ande Sri (64) passed away on Monday morning, leaving behind a legacy deeply intertwined with the spirit of Telangana and its cultural identity.
According to reports, Ande Sri suddenly fell ill on Sunday night and collapsed at his home. He was immediately rushed to Gandhi Hospital by family members but, despite the doctors’ efforts, he breathed his last at 7:25 AM on Monday.
Born on July 18, 1961, in Rebarti village, Jangaon (then part of the undivided Warangal district), Ande Sri, whose original name was Ande Ellayya, grew up to become the voice of the voiceless, the poet of the people and of the land. He is survived by three daughters and one son.
A Poet of the People
With no formal education, Ande Sri’s journey as a poet was purely driven by passion and raw expression. His verses, simple yet profound, captured the emotions, struggles, and pride of Telangana’s people. Songs like “Mayamayipothunnadamma” resonated deeply across the state, and his composition “Jaya Jayahe Telangana” became immortalized as the official state anthem, a song that continues to stir the hearts of millions.
During the Telangana statehood movement, his words became slogans of hope and identity. His poetry infused energy and consciousness among the masses, playing a vital role in shaping the movement’s emotional core.
Honors and Recognition
Over the decades, Ande Sri’s literary brilliance earned him several honors. He received a Nandi Award (2006) for the film Ganga and an Honorary Doctorate from Kakatiya University. In 2025, during the Telangana Formation Day celebrations, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy presented him with a cash award, recognizing his lifelong contribution to Telangana’s cultural heritage.
Among his many accolades are:
- Doctorate from the Academy of Universal Global Peace (2014)
- Dasharathi Literary Award (2015)
- Ravuri Bharadwaja Literary Award (2015)
- Nakamma National Award (2022)
- Dasharathi Krishnamacharya Literary Award (2024)
- Lok Nayak Award
A Legacy Etched in Verse
Dr. Ande Sri’s poetry was a bridge between the land and its people, blending nature, culture, and identity in every line. His ability to compose spontaneous poetry made him a unique literary presence in modern Telugu literature.
His demise marks not just the loss of a poet but the silencing of a voice that defined an era. Yet, as long as Telangana sings “Jaya Jayahe Telangana,” Ande Sri will live on, eternal, through his words and melodies.
