Hyderabad – A colourful chapter in Telangana’s cultural history has closed.
Andesri – the poet who wrote the state’s stirring anthem “Jaya Jayahe Telangana” – died on Monday while receiving treatment at Gandhi Hospital.
The 64‑year‑old poet collapsed in his Lalaguda home on Sunday night and was rushed to the hospital, where he died at about 7:30 a.m. He is survived by four children – three daughters and a son.
Andesri was born Ande Yellaiah on July 18, 1961, in Rebarthi village, Jangaon district. Without formal schooling, he rose to become one of Telangana’s most celebrated voices. His simple, heartfelt verses raised social awareness and earned him an honorary doctorate from Kakatiya University.
His earliest hit, “Mayamai Pothunnadamma,” introduced his fierce lyrical style. During the Telangana movement, his poems and songs kept the fight alive. The anthem he crafted – “Jaya Jayahe Telangana Janani Jaya Ketanam” – ultimately became the official state song after the Congress government adopted it in December 2023.
In June, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched the anthem with a new tune by award‑winning composer Keeravani. In recognition of his service, CM Reddy also presented Andesri with a one‑crore rupee cash award on Telangana Formation Day.
Beyond his political activism, Andesri wrote lyrics for several socially conscious and revolutionary films, cementing his place as a leading poet‑songwriter.
The state’s top leaders expressed deep shock and sadness. CM Reddy called Andesri’s death “a huge loss to the Telangana literary world” and promised state honours at his funeral. He reminded citizens that the anthem had echoed the hopes of millions during the quest for statehood.
Other leaders – former CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao, BRS president and leader Ramchander Rao, Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay, and Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu – all condemned the loss, calling it irreplaceable.
Andesri’s legacy will live on in every lyric, every rally and the triumphant march that made Telangana a state. The people of Telangana will remember him forever.
Source: ianslive
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