In the current times where people's attention span is getting shorter and more and more content is behind paywalls, a man has quietly created a world of knowledge that is free to everyone and costs nothing. Anke Gowda, 75, from Karnataka who was a bus conductor has been given Padma Shri 2026 under, Unsung Heroes, for building India, one of the largest free libraries with more than two million books.
From a Farming Family to Books
Gowda was born in a simple farming family in Mandya district. There were hardly any books in their home and reading was not a habit but a luxury for the boy. It was in the college that a teacher named Anantharamu awakened his interest, and he was directed to read, collect, and preserve books.
At the age of 20, Gowda was a bus conductor, his earnings were not spent on comforts but on books. It was the start of the life calling, which would eventually exceed his salary, his houses, and even his personal requirements.
A Library Built on Personal Sacrifice
He got a masters degree in Kannada literature. However, his true commitment was to books. He spent almost 80 percent of his salary on purchasing books, from all languages, subjects, and countries.
When his library became so large that it was beyond control, Gowda took a very brave step. He sold his home in Mysuru to have the space to keep the books and also to make sure that the books were preserved. What was initially a collection of one persons books gradually became a library that is open to the public.
Pustak Mane: Knowledge Without Barriers
Pustak Mane means House of Books, is located in Haralahalli village near Mysuru. It is one of the biggest free libraries in India today. It has a collection of more than two million books in over 20 languages. Among them are five lakh rare foreign publications, nearly 5,000 dictionaries, and manuscripts that are almost 200 years old.
There are no entry fees. No membership cards. No restrictions. Anybody can go for a book or for study purposes. Researchers, writers, students, civil service aspirants, and even Supreme Court judges may walk in freely to read, study, and explore.
A Life Lived Among Books
Gowda and his wife Vijayalakshmi literally reside in the library. Their lifestyle is basic, they sleep on the ground, have their meals from a tiny corner, and devote their time to taking care of the library.
Their child Sagar is currently co-managing the library, and plans are in motion for the library to be properly registered under the Anke Gowda Jnana Pratishthana Foundation.
A National Honour for a Quiet Revolution
India, through the Padma Shri, has acknowledged not only a man, but also an idea that knowledge should be available to everyone, kept, and shared without restrictions.
Haralahalli is no longer just a name on the map but a place that attracts researchers and knowledge enthusiasts.
Anke Gowda's story is a testament to the fact that revolutions do not necessarily come with loud noises. Some are the result of one book after another.
