Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy paid an emotional tribute to revolutionary poet Ande Sri at the “Ande Sri Memorial meeting,” describing him as “a close companion and a diamond in Telangana’s cultural history.”
Mr. Reddy said Ande Sri’s contribution to the Telangana movement was unparalleled, noting that the poet, despite having no formal education, ignited the spirit of self-respect through his iconic song, Jaya Jaya Hey Telangana.
The CM recalled how poets and artists played a pivotal role in awakening Telangana society whenever oppression crossed limits. Referring to the BRS government, he said: They tried to silence Jaya Jaya Hey Telangana, believing power was permanent.
“But today, four crore people sing the song every day,” said the Chief Minister
He said poets like Ande Sri, Gaddar, Guda Anjaiah and Goreti Venkanna, laid the groundwork for the second phase of the Telangana statehood struggle by resisting the dominance of united Andhra rulers with their songs.
The CM also announced the construction of Ande Sri Smruthi Vanam, a memorial space celebrating his legacy, and said the poet’s celebrated work Nippula Vaagu would be made available in all public libraries across the State.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to honouring contributors to the statehood movement, he said 300-square-yard residential plots had been allotted to nine poets who played crucial roles in the agitation. Homes will be constructed for them in Bharat Future City, he added.
Calling Telangana the only State in India to have implemented Dalit sub-categorisation, the Chief Minister said the policy is enabling the most backward among Dalits to pursue higher education. “Our Cabinet has four Dalit ministers. This is the true spirit of social justice,” he said.
Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar, Damodar Rajnarsimha, Adluri Lakshman Kumar, TPCC president Mahesh Goud and senior leader V Hanmanth Rao were among those who were present.
Published – November 22, 2025 09:07 pm IST
