In an age dominated by digital screens and fleeting attention spans, the extraordinary story of Karnataka’s Anke Gowda stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of books. The 75-year-old bibliophile, who once sold his own property to expand his book collection, has now been honoured with the Padma Shri for creating one of India’s largest free-access libraries.
From Humble Beginnings to a Grand Vision
Born into a farming family in Karnataka’s Mandya district, Anke Gowda developed a passion for reading at a young age despite limited access to books. He worked various jobs, including as a bus conductor and later at a sugar factory, but never abandoned his dream of building a vast repository of knowledge. Over the decades, he devoted a significant portion of his income and savings to acquiring books, often prioritising them over personal comforts and material possessions.
His commitment reached an extraordinary level when he sold his property to fund the expansion of his growing collection. What began as a personal hobby gradually transformed into a lifelong mission to make knowledge accessible to everyone.
Building a Library for the Public
The result of that dedication is “Pustaka Mane” (House of Books), a free public library located in Haralahalli village near Pandavapura. The library houses nearly two million books and publications in more than 20 languages, including rare manuscripts, historical records, research journals, magazines, and thousands of dictionaries. It has become a valuable resource for students, researchers, writers, and book lovers from across the country.
Despite the scale of the collection, Gowda continues to face challenges, including space constraints and the need for better infrastructure to preserve the vast literary treasure. State authorities have recently expressed support for preserving and expanding the library.
Recognition for an Unsung Hero
In 2026, the Government of India recognised Gowda’s remarkable contribution to literacy and public learning by awarding him the Padma Shri under the “Unsung Heroes” category. The honour celebrates more than five decades of selfless dedication to promoting reading and education.
Anke Gowda’s journey is not merely the story of a man who collected books. It is the story of a visionary who transformed personal sacrifice into a public gift, proving that one individual’s passion can create a lasting legacy for generations to come.
