♦ Renowned poet Ande Sri  passed away in Hyderabad on 10 November 2025 at the age of 64.

♦ He is best known as the author of Telangana’s iconic state song “Jaya Jaya He Telangana”.

♦ His original name was Ande Yellanna. He was born in Rebarthi village of Siddipet district on 1961 July 18. 

♦ His song "Maayamaipothunnadamma Manishanavadu," written for the film Erra Samudram, was a major critical success and was included in the Telugu second-year graduation textbooks by the Andhra Pradesh University's syllabus committee in 2009. He also earned a Nandi Award for Best Lyricist in 2006 for his work on the film Ganga. 

♦ ​In recognition of his monumental contributions to the Telangana movement and literature, Kakatiya University conferred an honorary doctorate upon him.

♦ More recently, in June 2025, the Telangana government honoured him with a cash award of Rs 1 crore during the state Formation Day celebrations.