Padma Shri 2026: Anke Gowda Honoured for Building India’s Largest Free-Access Library Network

Grassroots Literacy Champion Receives National Honour

India’s efforts to widen access to knowledge at the grassroots level have gained national recognition with the announcement of the Padma Shri 2026 for Anke Gowda of Karnataka . A former bus conductor, Gowda is being honoured for founding Pustakamane , widely regarded as India’s largest free-access library initiative . His work has focused on breaking economic and social barriers to reading, particularly for people in remote, rural, and marginalised communities.

From Public Transport to Public Knowledge

Anke Gowda’s journey is shaped by everyday experiences. While working as a bus conductor, he observed that for many people, the absence of books and reading spaces limited awareness, opportunity, and self-growth. Motivated by this gap, he started Pustakamane with a simple but powerful idea— books should be free and accessible to all . What began as a small community effort gradually expanded through volunteer support, donations, and local participation.

Pustakamane’s Reach and Scale

Over the years, Pustakamane has grown into a massive literary network with over two million books . The collection spans more than 20 languages and includes rare manuscripts, classical literature, regional writings, and modern publications. Unlike conventional libraries, Pustakamane follows a decentralised model , allowing books to circulate across villages, small towns, and underserved areas rather than being restricted to a single location. This approach has helped nurture reading habits while also preserving linguistic and cultural diversity.

Padma Awards 2026 and Grassroots Recognition

The Padma Shri , India’s fourth-highest civilian award, is conferred for distinguished service across diverse fields. The Padma Awards 2026 have placed notable emphasis on recognising unsung contributors from Dalit, tribal, and backward communities , especially those working at the community level. Gowda’s selection reflects this broader shift toward valuing education-driven social empowerment and citizen-led initiatives beyond formal institutions.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Padma Shri is India’s fourth-highest civilian award

• Padma Awards are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day

• Awards recognise service in fields such as education, social work, art, and culture

• Recent Padma selections highlight grassroots impact and community leadership

Literacy as a Pathway to Social Inclusion

Through Pustakamane, Anke Gowda has demonstrated how free access to books can promote literacy, self-learning, and social inclusion. His work is often cited as a model of non-institutional knowledge dissemination , showing that individual initiatives can scale up to create nationwide impact. The Padma Shri recognition underscores the importance of community-led efforts in strengthening India’s knowledge ecosystem and affirms literacy as a powerful tool for inclusive development.