Ande Sri legacy honoured by Telangana government

Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Tuesday said the state government honoured the legacy of poet Ande Sri for uniting Telangana through the “Jaya Jayahe Telangana” song. He announced that the government appointed Ande Sri’s son as an Assistant Professor.

Making a statement in the Legislative Council, Bhatti Vikramarka said the government decided to offer a job to a family member in recognition of Ande Sri’s cultural contribution. He said the move reflected the government’s humane approach after the poet’s untimely death.

Recalling Ande Ellayya, known as Ande Sri, the Deputy Chief Minister said he was born in Reparti village of Siddipet district. He said Ande Sri rose from an orphaned childhood and work as a cattle herder to become a powerful lyricist.

Despite lacking formal higher education, Ande Sri wrote nearly 3,000 poems, Bhatti Vikramarka said. His writings portrayed rural life, workers, farmers, and marginalised communities across Telangana.

He said the “Jaya Jayahe Telangana” song, written during the statehood movement, captured public aspirations and self-respect. The song later emerged as a unifying force across society.

Ande Sri legacy recognised through state policy and appointment

Bhatti Vikramarka recalled that the government issued GO No. 783 on June 2, 2024, declaring “Jaya Jayahe Telangana” as the state song. Keeping Ande Sri’s contribution in view, the government resolved to provide employment to one family member.

He said previous governments ignored both the song and its creator after state formation. In contrast, the present government declared the song as the official anthem soon after taking office, he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister said poets and artists shaped Telangana’s social fabric. He said Ande Sri’s revolutionary poetry gave voice to oppressed sections and became central to Telangana’s cultural identity.

Expressing grief over the poet’s death, Bhatti Vikramarka said the government continues to draw inspiration from Ande Sri’s humanistic values. As part of this commitment, the government appointed his son, Datta Sai, as an Assistant Professor in a degree college.

He informed the House that the government made the appointment through Ordinance No. 7 dated November 25, 2025. The Legislative Council later approved the ordinance unanimously, which he described as a proud moment for the state.