Anke Gowda wins Padma Shri for his lifelong dedication to books
Anke Gowda just won the Padma Shri 2026 as an Unsung Hero for his lifelong dedication to books and literacy.
He built Pustaka Mane, a massive private library in Haralahalli village, Karnataka—home to more than 20 lakh books in more than 20 languages.
How it all began
Gowda started collecting books at age 20 while working as a bus conductor.
Even after earning a Master's in Kannada literature and spending nearly 30 years at a sugar factory, he devoted nearly 80% of his salary to buying books—at one point even selling property in Mysuru to expand the library.
Library's rare collections and free access
Pustaka Mane isn't your average library—it holds thousands of dictionaries, lakhs of rare foreign publications, and unique collections like a prized eight-volume William Shakespeare set that was reportedly offered $149,681.
PhD students and researchers often visit because access is totally free.
Need for better facilities and housing
Despite its size, space is tight: Gowda lives amid stacks, and parts of the collection are kept in bags and corners and need better housing.
With a small pension to keep things running, he has appealed for help and better facilities so this book haven can survive.