Hyderabad: “Jaya Jayahe Telangana” played a decisive role in uniting people across the state during the Telangana movement, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said in the Legislative Council on Monday.
Addressing the House, Bhatti Vikramarka said the government formally recognised the cultural and social contribution of poet Ande Sri. Therefore, the state decided to provide a government job to one member of his family.
Born as Ande Ellayya in Reparti village of Siddipet district, Ande Sri faced severe hardship early in life. Initially, he lost his parents and worked as a cattle herder. Despite this, he rose to become one of Telangana’s strongest cultural voices.
Even without formal higher education, Ande Sri authored nearly 3,000 poems, Bhatti Vikramarka said. Through these works, he reflected rural life, social injustice and the struggles of marginalised communities. As a result, his writing shaped Telangana’s cultural identity.
During the mass movement, the Deputy Chief Minister said “Jaya Jayahe Telangana” captured people’s pain and aspirations. Moreover, the song united society and stood as a symbol of dignity and self-respect. In turn, his poetry gave voice to workers, farmers and oppressed sections.
Jaya Jayahe Telangana recognised as state song, family supported
Bhatti Vikramarka recalled that the government approved “Jaya Jayahe Telangana” as the official state song through GO No. 783 on 2 June 2024. Through this step, the government corrected years of neglect after statehood.
Keeping Ande Sri’s contribution in view, the government decided to support his family, he said. Importantly, the decision followed principles of social justice and humane governance.
Speaking about Telangana’s identity, Bhatti Vikramarka said poets and artists defined the state’s social fabric. Accordingly, their dreams of equality and justice continued to guide public policy.
Referring to the past, he said earlier rulers ignored the song and its creator despite its wide use during the movement. However, after coming to power, the present government acted swiftly to honour Ande Sri in every possible way.
Expressing grief over his untimely death, Bhatti Vikramarka said the government still drew inspiration from his humanistic songs. As part of this commitment, the state appointed his son, Datta Sai, as an Assistant Professor in a degree college under the Higher Education Department.
He informed the House that Ordinance No. 7 dated 25 November 2025 enabled the appointment. Since the ordinance could not be tabled earlier, the Council approved it unanimously on Monday, which he described as a proud moment.
