Anke Gowda, a 79-year-old retired sugar factory worker from Karnataka, India, has built a free-access library housing two million books, earning the Padma Shri award for his lifelong dedication to literacy. The library, located in Pandavapura, spans 15,800 square feet and is open to all, despite its haphazard organization.
Gowda’s passion for books began in childhood, growing up in a village where reading materials were scarce. He often used money meant for food to purchase books, developing a particular interest in Indian freedom fighters and spiritual leaders. His early efforts to build a collection aimed at helping other rural students access knowledge, setting the foundation for his future endeavors.
After working briefly as a bus conductor, Gowda was encouraged by a teacher to pursue higher education. He earned a postgraduate degree in Kannada and later took a job as a timekeeper at a local sugar factory. Throughout his 33-year career, he spent two-thirds of his salary on books, attending literary conferences to acquire discounted volumes and supplementing his income through farming and insurance work.
The collection quickly outgrew his home, leading to storage challenges with books piled in trunks and shelves. Help arrived when friends introduced him to Hari Khoday, a liquor baron who funded the construction of a dedicated library building. Subsequent support from then Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy enabled the addition of two more structures, creating the expansive complex that exists today.
Now, the library attracts students, teachers, and book lovers from across Karnataka. Despite the lack of a formal librarian, Gowda knows the location of every book and can retrieve any title instantly. He lives on-site with his wife and son, keeping the library open daily for long hours, with an estimated 800,000 books still unpacked in sacks.
In recognition of his contributions, Gowda received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in January 2026. The honor highlights his extraordinary impact on promoting literacy and learning in a region where educational resources are often limited, bringing national attention to his decades-long effort.
At 79, Gowda reflects on his legacy with a philosophical outlook, expressing hope that the government or public will take over the library’s maintenance to ensure its continued service. His story inspires others, such as assistant professor Ravi Bettaswami, who has started his own book collection after visiting the library.
Gowda’s initiative demonstrates how individual passion can foster community learning and cultural enrichment. The library stands as a beacon of knowledge, encouraging future generations to embrace reading and education, with implications for broader literacy efforts in India.
