Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu said the State government honoured poet Andesri for uniting Telangana through the Jaya Jayahe Telangana song. He said the government approved a job for one of his family members.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Bhatti Vikramarka said Andesri was born as Ande Ellayya. He hailed from Reparti village in Siddipet district. Early in life, he lost his parents and worked as a cattle herder. Despite hardships, he later emerged as a powerful lyricist.
Andesri symbolised Telangana’s cultural voice
According to the Deputy Chief Minister, Andesri authored nearly 3,000 poems. Through these works, he reflected rural life and the struggles of marginalised communities. Moreover, his writings captured the aspirations of the Telangana movement.
Importantly, Bhatti Vikramarka said the Jaya Jayahe Telangana song played a decisive role during the movement. In addition, he noted that Andesri’s poems and songs voiced the concerns of workers, farmers and oppressed sections.
Referring to official recognition, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government approved the song as the State anthem. The approval came through G.O. No. 783 dated June 2, 2024. Therefore, keeping Andesri’s contribution in view, the government decided to support his family. He added that the decision followed a humane approach after Andesri’s untimely death.
As part of this decision, the government appointed Andesri’s son, Datta Sai, as an Assistant Professor. He joined a degree college under the Higher Education Department. The appointment came through Ordinance No. 7 dated November 25, 2025. Subsequently, the House approved the ordinance unanimously.
Bhatti Vikramarka said Telangana’s identity evolved through poets and artists. However, he criticised the previous government for using artists during the movement. Later, it neglected them, he alleged. In contrast, he said the present government honoured both Andesri and Gaddar.
He recalled that the government renamed the Nandi Awards as the Gaddar Awards. Additionally, he said the Cultural Department recognised artists such as Pasham Yadagiri, Jayaraju, Guda Anjanna and Gorati Venkanna. He said they played key roles during the movement.
Finally, the Deputy Chief Minister reaffirmed that the government would continue to respect poets and artists across Telangana.