Ande Sri Laid To Rest With Full State Honours

Hyderabad: Renowned Telangana poet Ande Sri, who passed away on Monday after a brief illness, was laid to rest with state honours at Ghatkesar on Tuesday. The final journey of the widely loved poet drew thousands of admirers, writers, political leaders and cultural figures, who gathered to bid him a tearful farewell.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy led the procession, carrying the bier as a mark of respect and walking alongside several ministers. He consoled the grieving family members, including Ande Sri’s wife Mallubhai, daughters Vakkulamma, Vennela and Vekuva, and son Sai Dattu.

The Chief Minister, along with TPCC president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud and senior leaders, accompanied the procession from Lalapet Jayashankar Stadium, which moved through Tarnaka and Uppal before reaching Ghatkesar.

Throughout the route, emotional crowds raised slogans praising the poet, chanting “Ande Sri Amar Rahe” as a tribute to the man whose words had become symbols of Telangana’s cultural and political identity. Many admirers walked along with the bier, recalling his contributions to the Telangana movement, during which his powerful songs inspired countless people.

Several ministers and senior leaders, including D. Sridhar Babu, Jupally Krishna Rao, D. Anasuya Seethakka, Ponnam Prabhakar, Adluri Laxman Kumar, government advisors Vem Narender Reddy and K. Kesava Rao, joined the procession. Literary enthusiasts and fans lined the roads to pay their last respects, reflecting the deep emotional connect Ande Sri had with the people.

The poet’s mortal remains had been kept at his residence in Lalaguda for public viewing from Monday afternoon, allowing admirers to offer their final homage. The body was later shifted for the grand procession that culminated in the burial ceremony at Ghatkesar. As the final rites were performed, his son conducted the rituals amid poignant scenes.