Eminent Poet and lyricist Ande Sri, author of the iconic Telangana State Song … ‘Jaya Jayahe Telangana’, passed away in Hyderabad this morning. He was 64. He was taken to the Gandhi Hospital in the city after developing severe health complications at his residence. However, he passed away while being treated. Born in Rebarthi village of Siddipet district in 1961 as Ande Yellanna, Ande Sri became one of the most celebrated figures in Telugu literature. He penned “Jaya Jayahe Telangana,” which became the rallying cry of millions during the movement for separate statehood and has been adopted as the official State Anthem.

In recognition of his monumental contributions to the Telangana movement and literature, Kakatiya University conferred an honorary doctorate upon him. Recently, the Telangana state government honoured him with a cash award of one crore rupees during the state Formation Day celebrations. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Union Coal Mines Minister Kishan Reddy and top leaders across political parties expressed deep shock over his demise.