From Bus Tickets to Book Treasures: Karnataka Man's 50-Year Library Journey Wins Padma Honour
In the serene rural landscape of Karnataka's Mandya district, where golden fields meet the horizon, an extraordinary literary revolution has quietly unfolded. Anke Gowda, a 75-year-old former bus conductor from Haralahalli village in Pandavapura taluk, has been named among India's 131 Padma Awardees for 2026, receiving one of the nation's highest civilian honours for an achievement that transcends conventional measures of success.
The Genesis of Pustaka Mane: A House Built on Stories
Gowda's recognition comes not from political power, corporate wealth, or athletic prowess, but from his lifelong dedication to creating Pustaka Mane – the "House of Books" – which has grown into what is believed to be the world's largest library with an astonishing collection of 20 lakh volumes. This isn't merely a repository of books; it represents the heartbeat of a community transformed through literacy, pulsing with the dreams of a man who prioritized knowledge over material possessions.
Born in Chinakurli, Gowda spent decades as a bus conductor, watching the world pass by through his ticket window. Yet his evenings were dedicated to academic pursuit, earning both a B.A. and M.A. in Kannada literature – education that fueled a passion no salary could satisfy. His journey took him through various occupations, including work at a sugar factory, but his true calling remained constant.
A Collection Built Through Sacrifice and Vision
What makes Gowda's achievement remarkable is the sheer scale of personal investment behind it:
- He began collecting books at age 20, using his modest salary from various jobs
- He sold his property in Mysuru to fund the library's expansion
- He dedicated his retirement funds entirely to acquiring more volumes
- For 50 years, he lived simply, redirecting every possible resource toward his literary mission
The collection itself is breathtaking in its diversity and historical value:
- Works spanning literature, science, mythology, and philosophy in over 20 languages
- Rare manuscripts dating back to 1832
- Approximately 5,000 dictionaries from around the world
- 35,000 international magazines
- 2,500 volumes dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi
- Another 2,500 focused on the Bhagavad Gita
- Sacred texts including the Bible and other religious works
- Five lakh foreign rarities alongside precious Kannada literary treasures
Democratizing Knowledge in Rural Karnataka
Gowda's vision extended far beyond mere accumulation. Pustaka Mane operates completely free of charge, welcoming students, teachers, researchers, and any knowledge-seeker regardless of background. In a region where books were once considered luxury items, Gowda has fostered reading habits and created unprecedented educational access.
"I am very happy. I never expected any of this," Gowda told ANI after learning of his Padma Award. "My only intention was that books reach all children and that they get the books they desire. I have been doing this for 50 years, living a simple life and working without expecting any rewards. I am glad the government has recognised this effort."
National Recognition and Legacy
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the Padma Awardees list on the eve of Republic Day, honoring individuals from diverse fields including arts, literature, social service, medicine, education, and public service. Gowda's inclusion in this prestigious group highlights how grassroots initiatives can achieve national significance.
His achievement had already gained recognition when he was listed in the Limca Book of Records in 2016 for his staggering collection. Now, with the Padma Award, his five-decade journey receives the ultimate governmental acknowledgment.
The Padma Awards represent India's highest civilian honours, divided into three categories: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of higher order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field. Gowda's award celebrates not just personal achievement, but the transformative power of literacy in rural India.
In an era dominated by digital distractions, Gowda's physical temple of knowledge stands as a testament to the enduring power of printed words and one man's unwavering commitment to sharing them. His story reminds us that true legacy isn't measured in wealth or fame, but in the minds enlightened and communities transformed through access to knowledge.
