Ande Sri

Ande Sri Biography

Ande Yellanna, better known by his pen name Ande Sri is a noted poet and lyricist from Andhra Pradesh who writes in Telugu. Telangana state anthem (official song of newly formed state Telangana) - "Jaya Jaya he Telangana Janani Jaya ketanam" is written by none other than Ande Sri. A recipient of numerous awards and honours, he received state film award for best lyricist in 2006 for the movie – Ganga. His songs written in Prakruti style are very popular and often they carry a sense of touch of Telangana. Palle neeku Vandanamulammo, Komma chekkite bommar, Jana Jatharalo Mana Geetham, Maayamai potunnadamma, Chooda Chakkani, Gala Gala Gajjalabandi and Yellipotunnava Thalli are some of his popular songs. ‘Mayamai pothunnadamma…’ too brought many laurels to Ande Sri.

He was abandoned as an infant in his native village Rebarthi in Warangal. He received patronage under Jakkireddy Malla Reddy and later many others in his life. He follows ‘Vedic Dharma’ and his real name is Ande Yellanna. He grew up as an orphan and did not get any formal education. He received an honorary doctorate from Kakatiya University for his contributions to Telugu literature. He worked as a shepherd at local landlord’s estate. He later worked as a construction labourer and later gave up his job, the moment he dipped his hands in the River Godavari in Basara. The river had a profound impact on him. Later he toured half of the globe, in his exploration of world’s rivers, including Nile, Amazon and Victoria Falls.

Once his song was heard by Swami Shankar Maharaj and appreciated his talents. Today the whole Telangana state is in wide celebrations after the formation of new state, singing "Jaya Jaya he Telangana Janani Jaya ketanam" written by Ande Sri.

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Updated: July 09, 2014