Anke Gowda, a 75-year-old former bus conductor has been conferred the Padma Shri Award, not for glamour or valor or power, but for turning his life’s savings into a sanctuary of stories. He founded Pustaka Mane, the “House of Books” in Haralahalli Village, Pandavapura taluk, Mandya district. Reportedly, it is among the biggest library in the world with 20 lakh volumes. (Image: Instagram)
Anke was born in Chinakurli and spent his life punching tickets on dusty buses, the world rushing by in a blur of faces and fares. In the evening, he would spend time in college, chasing a B.A., then a M.A. in Kannada. Later, he worked in a sugar factory for some time and used its salary along with the proceeds of his Mysuru plot that he sold and his retirement funds to buy books and build his library. (Image: Instagram @gettyreportage)
Starting at 20, Gowda’s collection kept expanding: literature, science, mythology, and philosophy in more than 20 languages, 1832 rare manuscripts, 5000 dictionaries, 35,000 international magazines, 2500 on Gandhi, another 2500 on the Bhagavad Gita, and even the Bible and sacred texts from afar. Furthermore, five lakh foreign rarities sit beside Kannada treasures, free for students, teachers, researchers. (Image: Instagram)
Speaking to ANI, Anke Gowda said, “I am very happy. I never expected any of this. My only intention was that books reach all children and that they get books they desire. I have been doing this for 50 years, living a simple life and working without expecting any rewards. I am glad that the government has recognised this effort.” (Image: X)
On January 26, 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) unveiled the official list of Padma awardees for 2026. The prestigious civilian honours recognize individuals from diverse fields, including arts, literature, social service, medicine, education, and public service, for their excellence, dedication, and long-term contribution to society. (Image: X)
The Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian honours of India, are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhusan for distinguished service of higher order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field of activity, for the nation and its people. (Image: Instagram @gettyreportage)
