Sold his house for books: Karnataka man builds 2-million-book library, wins Padma Shri

Sold his house for books: Karnataka man builds 2-million-book library, wins Padma Shri

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Jun 17, 2026: Anke Gowda, a 75-year-old former bus conductor from Karnataka, has been awarded the Padma Shri 2026 for creating Pustak Mane, India’s largest free-access library. Housing over two million books in 20 languages, including rare manuscripts and dictionaries, the library serves students, researchers, civil service aspirants, and even Supreme Court judges. Gowda devoted decades and most of his income to building this public resource, living simply with his wife within the library, and continues to expand and organise it under the Anke Gowda Jnana Pratishthana Foundation.

In a remarkable journey from public transport to literary legacy, 75-year-old Anke Gowda from Karnataka has been honoured with the Padma Shri 2026 under the “Unsung Heroes” category. Once a bus conductor, Gowda has spent decades building Pustak Mane, India’s largest free-access library, which now houses over two million books in more than 20 languages, including rare manuscripts and historical texts.

From Humble Beginnings to a Lifelong Passion

Born into a farming family in Mandya district, Gowda grew up with very limited access to books. As per the Logical Indians, his interest in reading developed during his college years, inspired by a professor named Anantharamu, who encouraged him to start collecting books. At the age of 20, while working as a bus conductor, Gowda began purchasing books with his own earnings, laying the foundation for what would become a monumental library.

He later pursued a master’s degree in Kannada literature and worked for nearly three decades at a sugar factory. Throughout this time, he devoted close to 80 percent of his income to acquiring books. His dedication went so far that he sold his house in Mysuru to accommodate the ever-growing collection.

Pustak Mane: A Library Without Boundaries

Located in Haralahalli village near Mysuru, the library—also called Ankegowda Book House—is open to everyone without membership or admission fees. Researchers, students, writers, civil service aspirants, and even Supreme Court judges visit to consult its extensive collection. Alongside over five lakh rare foreign books and nearly 5,000 dictionaries, Pustak Mane preserves manuscripts dating back nearly two centuries, spanning subjects from literature and philosophy to science and history.

Speaking to media, Gowda highlighted that the library primarily serves scholars and students but has also become a resource for aspiring civil servants and members of the judiciary. He emphasised that anyone can freely walk in, read, and learn without restriction.

A Life Dedicated to Knowledge

Gowda and his wife, Vijayalakshmi, live within the library itself, maintaining a simple lifestyle, sleeping on the floor, and cooking in a small corner of the building. Their son, Sagar, assists in managing the collection, while plans are underway to formally organise it under the Anke Gowda Jnana Pratishthana Foundation.

Over five decades, Gowda has transformed his personal passion into a national treasure. His recognition with the Padma Shri not only honours his dedication but also highlights the impact of grassroots efforts in promoting literacy and preserving knowledge. Haralahalli, once a quiet village, has now become a destination for those seeking books, research, and inspiration.