Telangana Anthem Lyricist Ande Sri Is No More

Andesri (64), a prominent poet, writer, and lyricist who rose from an illiterate shepherd to the author of the Telangana state anthem, passed away on Sunday morning. After falling seriously ill, he was rushed to the hospital by his family, where he breathed his last while undergoing treatment. His death has left the literary and cultural circles of Telangana mourning the loss of a beloved figure.

Born to a poor family, Andesri lost his parents at a young age and grew up as an orphan, herding sheep and cattle. Though he never had formal schooling, the natural beauty of his surroundings and the hardships of the common people ignited a poetic spirit within him. The chirping of birds, flowing streams, and earthy smells became his teachers. While working as a mason in Nizamabad, Swami Shankar Maharaj of Sringeri Math was impressed by his impromptu verses and renamed him ‘Andesri’, declaring him equal to a sage.

His songs like “Mayamai Poyaadamma Manishannavadu”, “Komma Chekchite Bommara”, “Palleniku Vandanamulammo”, “Galagala Gajjelabandi”, “Jana Jataralo Mana Geetam”, and “Yellipoyava Thalli” became iconic across Telugu states. The revolutionary lyrics he penned for Narayana Murthy’s films, especially during the Telangana movement, earned him a special place in the hearts of the people. His composition

“Jaya Jayahe Telangana.. Janani Jayaketanam” was officially adopted as the Telangana state anthem.

In recognition of his immense contribution, Kakatiya University conferred an honorary doctorate upon him, and he received the Nandi Award in 2006 for the film “Ganga”. Though Andesri may have left this world, his poetry and songs continue to echo in the soil of Telangana, reminding everyone of his indomitable spirit.