Ande Sri was born on July 18, 1961, in Rebarthi village in Jangaon district, formerly Warangal district. Ande Sri’s original name is Ande Yellaih, which was given by Shrugeri Pitadipathi Swami Shanker Maharaj. Ande Sri’s work reflects his commitment to social justice and his deep connection to the cultural and historical legacy of Telangana.
Early Life and Influences
Ande Sri lost his mother in his early childhood. During that period, he wrote a song dedicated to his mother, called “Chuda Sakkani Talli Chukkallo Jabilli.” In his early childhood, he worked as a sheep protector for Landlord Mallareddy. Ande Sri’s childhood was marked by poverty and social inequality. Witnessing the struggles of his community ignited a passion for social change. Ande Sri was inspired by the great Suddla Hanumanthu and Gaddar songs.
Poetic and Lyrical Career
Ande Sri’s poetry is known for its raw emotion, powerful imagery, and the stark portrayal of social realities. His poems often revolve around themes of oppression, exploitation, and the struggle for a better world. He has penned several collections that touch upon these subjects.
Alongside his poetry, Ande Sri is a recognized lyricist in the Telugu film industry (Tollywood). His songs often combine lyrical finesse with social messages. Sri wrote the song “Maayamaipothunnadamma Manishannavadu” for the film “Erra Samudram.” The Andhra Pradesh University’s syllabus committee included it in the Telugu second-year graduation textbooks for the academic year starting in 2009. This is the third song to be featured in Telugu syllabi after “Maa Telugu Talliki” and “Telugu Jathi Manadi” in the 77 years of Telugu cinema.
Kakatiya University conferred an honorary doctorate upon Sri for his contribution as a lyricist.
Ande Sri also wrote the state anthem of Telangana, “Jaya Jaya He Telangana, Janani Jaya Kethanam.” The song, with the lyrics “Mukkoti gonthukalu okkataina chetanam,” was approved by the Telangana cabinet as the state anthem on February 4th, 2024.
Relationship with the Telangana Movement
Ande Sri was a prominent voice in the Telangana Movement, which advocated for a separate state of Telangana within India. His poems and songs became rallying cries for activists, capturing the aspirations and frustrations of the people of Telangana. The spirit of resistance inherent in his works fueled the movement for self-determination.
Recognition and Legacy
Ande Sri’s contribution to Telugu literature and his role in social movements have been widely recognized. He received numerous awards, including the prestigious Nandi Award for Best Lyricist for the film ‘Ganga’. Kakatiya University also conferred an honorary doctorate upon him.
Ande Sri’s impact goes beyond awards. His voice of the marginalised and his poetic fight for a just society continue to resonate. He remains a symbol of cultural pride in Telangana and an inspiration to poets and activists worldwide who use their art as a tool for social change.
Ande Sri Songs And Poets
- పాటల పూదోట (గేయాలు) – Patala Poodota
- వాకులమ్మ (పద్యకావ్యం) – Vakulamma
- “మాయమైపోతున్నాడమ్మా మనిషన్న వాడు” – ఎర్ర సముద్రంలోని పాట
- జైబోలో తెలంగాణ – గళ గర్జనల జడివాన
- జైబోలో తెలంగాణ – నిలువెల్ల గాయాల వీణ అని తెలంగాణను మేల్కొలిపి నష్టాలు, కష్టాలు ఎన్ని ఎదురైనా సరే తెలంగాణ కోసం సాగి పోరాడుదామని పిలుపును అందించాడు.
- చూడు తెలంగాణ – చుక్కనీరు లేని దాన
- నాగోడు తెలంగాణ – బతుకు పాడైన వీణ అనే పాటను రాశాడు.
- 1993 వ సంవత్సరం లో భాగ్యనగర్ కల్చర్స్ అర్ట్ అకాడమీ సహజ కవి కోకిలగా సన్మానించింది.
- 1997లో SVU University (శ్రీ వెంకటేశ్వర విశ్వవిద్యాలయం) పురస్కారం అందజేసింది.
- 2001లో కాకతీయ, 2004లో ఉస్మానియా యూనివర్శిటీలు ఆయన్ను గౌరవ డాక్టరేట్తో సత్కరించాయి.
- అమెరికన్ యూనివర్శిటీ డాక్టరేట్ అందించి లోకకవిగా కీర్తించింది.
- 2000లో విడుదలైన గంగా సినిమాలోని ‘వెళ్లిపోతున్నావా తల్లీ‘ అనే పాటకు నంది అవార్డు లభించింది.
- పల్లె నీకు వందనలమ్మా , గలగల గజ్జెల బండి , జన జాతరలో మన గీతం అనే పాటలు తెలంగాణ ప్రజలను ఉర్రుతలూగించాయి.
- జయ జయహే తెలంగాణ జనని జేయకేతనం …. ముక్కోటి గొంతుకలు ఒక్కటైనా చేతనం …. అనే గీతాన్ని కూడా రాసారు మన అందే శ్రీ.