Anke Gowda to Receive Padma Shri for Free-Access Library

India’s grassroots efforts to democratise knowledge have received national recognition with the announcement of the Padma Shri 2026 for Anke Gowda from Karnataka. A former bus conductor, Gowda is being honoured for founding Pustakamane, recognised as India’s largest free-access library initiative. His work has focused on making books freely available to people across remote and marginalised communities.

From Public Transport to Public Knowledge

Anke Gowda’s journey is rooted in lived experience and social awareness. Once employed as a bus conductor in Karnataka, he observed how lack of access to books and reading spaces limited opportunities for large sections of society. This led him to establish Pustakamane with a simple goal: remove economic and social barriers to reading. The initiative began modestly but steadily expanded through community participation and voluntary support.

Pustakamane’s Expanding Literary Footprint

Over the years, Pustakamane has grown into a vast repository of more than two million books. The collection spans over 20 languages and includes rare manuscripts, historical texts, and contemporary works. The library model is decentralised, allowing books to reach villages, small towns, and underserved regions rather than remaining confined to a single physical space. This approach has helped preserve literary heritage while promoting everyday reading habits.

Padma Awards 2026 and Focus on Grassroots Impact

The Padma Shri is India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, awarded for distinguished service in various fields. According to official announcements, the Padma Awards 2026 have placed special emphasis on recognising unsung heroes from Dalit, tribal, and backward communities. Gowda’s selection aligns with this broader focus on education-led social empowerment and community-driven initiatives.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Padma Shri is India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
• Padma Awards are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.
• The awards recognise contributions in fields such as education, social work, and culture.
• Recent Padma selections emphasise grassroots and community-level impact.

Literacy as a Tool for Social Inclusion

Gowda’s work through Pustakamane has been widely cited as a model for inclusive education. By ensuring free access to books, the initiative has supported literacy, self-learning, and cultural preservation. His recognition underscores the role of non-institutional efforts in strengthening India’s knowledge ecosystem and highlights how individual initiatives can drive large-scale social change.