Telangana heartbeat Ande Sri no more

 Hyderabad: Renowned Telangana poet and lyricist Ande Sri, author of the iconic state song ‘Jaya Jaya He Telangana’, passed away in Hyderabad on Monday. He was 64. His last rites will be performed at Ghatkesar on Tuesday morning with state honours.

Ande Sri, whose real name was Ande Yellaiah, was found lying on the ground of his residence in Lalaguda on Monday morning. Family members rushed him to Gandhi Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Dr N. Vani, superintendent of Gandhi Hospital, said, “Though the poet was brought to the hospital immediately around 7 am, he had already passed away. The cause of death was cardiac arrest.”

She mentioned that the poet had complained of sweating and chest discomfort on Friday, following an episode of hypertension. “He was advised to come to the hospital for treatment but refused and chose to stay home. On Monday morning, he was found collapsed at his residence,” she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Ministers A. Revanth Reddy and Chandrababu Naidu, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, Union ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, BRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao and leaders condoled the demise of Ande Sri.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced that the government would accord a state funeral to honour the distinguished poet. The funeral procession will begin from Lalaguda, and his son Sai will perform the final rituals. Revanth Reddy will participate in the funeral procession.

Thousands, including political leaders, writers, poets, social activists, and student groups, visited the premises where his body was kept for public viewing. Many rendered his songs, filling the atmosphere with his powerful verses.

Ande Sri emerged from a humble background in Rebarthi village of Siddipet district and rose to become a celebrated voice of Telangana’s cultural and political movement. His songs played a crucial role in uniting people during the statehood agitation. The Congress government officially declared ‘Jaya Jaya He Telangana’ the state song in 2024.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief, noting that Ande Sri’s passing left a void in India’s cultural and intellectual landscape. He said the poet’s words embodied the soul of Telangana and had the power to stir hearts and unify the masses. The Prime Minister extended condolences to the bereaved family and admirers.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said a “towering figure of Telangana literature has fallen,” recalling his association with the poet during the recomposition of the state song. He described Ande Sri’s contributions as invaluable in awakening the spirit of the people and praised his dedication to capturing their struggles and aspirations. The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure all arrangements for the state funeral were made.

Former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao highlighted Ande Sri’s role in strengthening the statehood movement through his inspiring songs. BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao said the poet’s loss is irreparable and that he stood as a role model during the agitation. Leaders including T. Harish Rao, Prof. Kodandaram, and members of various cultural and student unions recalled how his songs opened meetings and ignited passion during the movement.

Members of the Osmania University JAC remembered how Ande Sri often visited the campus, interacted with scholars, and passionately discussed sociologists and writers. “He was always eager to learn and understand new ideas,” they said.

Writers, poets, and members of the Telugu cine writers’ association remembered his deep connection with nature and the downtrodden. They noted that his works reflected the rhythms of rural Telangana, stressing human values and social justice. City police commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said Ande Sri’s life was inspirational, marked by a humble journey from a shepherd boy to a figure who awakened societal consciousness through literature.

Friends from his native village said he remained deeply rooted in nature and culture. Revolutionary Writers Association president Sultan Yadagiri described him as a modern-day Kalidas and Sant Ravidas, recalling his journey from a mason to an acclaimed poet who even earned a doctorate in 2001.

As Telangana mourns his demise, leaders and admirers alike said Ande Sri’s legacy will endure through his stirring words and his timeless contribution to the state’s identity.