Lyricist Ande Sri Passes Away

Renowned lyricist and Telangana cultural icon Ande Sri passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. As per Gandhi Hospital Superintendent Dr. Sunil Kumar he was brought to the hospital on Thursday morning but had already passed away before arrival. He had long been suffering from high blood pressure and heart related issues.

Ande Sri played a key role in the Telangana movement and is best known for writing the state anthem “Jaya Jaya He Telangana”.

Recently the Telangana government honoured him with a Rs. 1 crore cash award and commissioned MM Keeravani to recompose the anthem for official use.

His notable works include “Jai Bolo Telangana”, “Maayamai Pothunnadamma Manishannavaadu”, “Palle Neeku Vandanamulammo” and “Komma Chekkite Bommara”.

Among them, “Maayamai Pothunnadamma” holds a special place in Telugu literature as one of only three songs featured in Telugu syllabi alongside “Maa Telugu Thalliki” and “Telugu Jathi Manadi”.

జానపద జన జీవన జావలీలు జాలువారే
కవి గాయక వైతాళిక కళలా మంజీరాలు
జాతిని జాగృత పరిచే గీతాల జన జాతర
అనునిత్యం నీ గానం అమ్మ నీవే మా ప్రాణం
జై తెలంగాణ – జై జై తెలంగాణ!

Deeply saddened by the passing of poet Ande Sri – the voice that gave Telangana its song “Jaya Jaya He Telangana.”

In… pic.twitter.com/ACSujp2olh

— A Kondal Reddy (@KondalAnumula) November 10, 2025