Telangana's Beloved Poet and State Anthem Lyricist Andesri Passes Away
The cultural landscape of Telangana suffered a devastating blow with the passing of Andesri, the celebrated poet and lyricist who composed the state's official anthem, Jaya Jaya Hai Telangana. He was 64 years old.
Final Hours and Cause of Death
According to medical authorities at Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad, the poet collapsed at his Lalaguda residence on Monday morning. Dr. N Vani, the Superintendent of Gandhi Hospital, confirmed that despite being rushed to the hospital immediately, Andesri's health deteriorated rapidly. He was declared dead at approximately 7:30 am due to a cardiac arrest.
Dr. Vani further elaborated on his medical history, stating, "He had hypertension. On Friday, November 7, he had complained of sweating and chest discomfort. He was about to be brought to the hospital but refused treatment and decided to stay back at his house. On Monday, he was found collapsed at his residence." The poet is survived by his three daughters and a son.
The Voice of a Statehood Movement
Andesri, whose original name was Ande Ellayya, was born on July 18, 1961, in Rebarthi village, Maddur mandal, in what is now Jangaon district. Remarkably, he never received any formal schooling. He earned his living initially as a cowherd in his village and later worked as a construction worker and supervisor.
Despite his humble background, his powerful verses became the soundtrack of the Telangana statehood agitation. His fast-beat song, Jaya Jaya Hai Telangana, was sung by hundreds of students and protestors, fueling the revolutionary spirit of the movement.
M Kodandaram, a former Osmania University professor and MLC who was a key figure in the movement, recalled, "In Osmania University, which was the epicentre of protests for Telangana statehood, Andesri’s songs were played and sung over and over. They contributed to the revolutionary fervour of the movement. From 1996 onwards, we travelled together through the length and breadth of Telangana – him singing the songs and me speaking about separate statehood."
Legacy and Condolences
Beyond his political anthems, Andesri was also known for profound philosophical works. His classic song, Mayamai Pothunnadamma, poignantly captures the essence of human existence and laments the disappearance of truly humane people from the world.
In recognition of his immense contribution, Kakatiya University awarded him an honorary doctorate after the formation of the Telangana state in 2014.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed profound grief, stating that the poet's death has "dealt an irreparable blow to the state's literature." In a written tribute, CM Reddy affirmed, "Andesri’s yeoman services in the achievement of Telangana statehood are praiseworthy and Telangana people will remember forever his songs." He also promised that Andesri would be laid to rest with full state honours.
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president and former chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao also expressed his shock, terming the death an irreparable loss. In a statement, he highlighted that "Andesri played a pivotal role in the cultural movement for Telangana’s statehood. Andesri’s contribution through his songs and writings strengthened the spirit of the Telangana movement."
