Telangana lost one of its most beloved literary voices when Ande Sri, a celebrated poet and writer, died on Sunday, November 9 at his home in Hyderabad. The 64-year-old artist had become ill at his residence before being rushed to Gandhi Hospital, where he passed away during treatment.
Ande Sri made his mark as a self-taught poet who never attended formal school but rose to become a powerful voice in Telangana’s cultural landscape. His deep connection to the people and their struggles earned him recognition as a true champion of the common man.
The poet gained widespread fame through his moving composition “Mayamaipothunnadamma,” which touched hearts across the region. His literary contributions reached their peak when the Telangana government officially adopted his creation “Jaya Jayahe Telangana” as the official state anthem.
During the Telangana movement, Ande Sri used his poetry as a weapon for change. His words inspired countless people and helped fuel the fight for statehood. He consistently stood with the poor and marginalized communities throughout his career.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy shared his grief on social media platform X, calling the poet’s death a devastating blow. The Chief Minister described Ande Sri as “the literary pinnacle of Telangana” and “the people’s poet.” He praised the writer as a fearless warrior who transformed words into powerful tools during the statehood movement.
Revanth Reddy emphasized how Ande Sri always raised his voice for the underprivileged and called him “a selfless son of Telangana soil.” The Chief Minister said the loss felt deeply personal to him and represented an irreplaceable void in the literary world.
Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha also expressed his shock at the untimely death. He stated that Ande Sri’s passing created an unfillable gap in Telangana society. The minister highlighted how the poet’s efforts during the statehood struggle and his work in awakening social consciousness would live on forever.
The literary community and political leaders across Telangana mourned the loss of this remarkable figure who proved that formal education isn’t necessary to touch millions of hearts through powerful words and unwavering dedication to social causes.
