Mysuru: Noted bibliophile Ankegowda is set to receive the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, from President Droupadi Murmu on Monday. He has been selected under the ‘Unsung Heroes’ category in recognition of his contribution to librarianship and his efforts in promoting reading culture through the establishment of one of India’s largest free-access libraries.
Recognition for a lifelong mission of promoting books
Ankegowda is the founder of Pustaka Mane, also known as the House of Books, which today houses more than 15 lakh books and has emerged as a major destination for readers and researchers.
The Padma Shri recognition highlights his decades-long commitment to building a culture of reading and preserving literary resources for future generations.
The library has become known for providing open access to books and serving readers from different age groups and backgrounds.
His journey from humble beginnings to receiving one of the country’s highest civilian honours has been marked by personal sacrifice and determination.
Early life marked by financial hardship
Born on October 17, 1949, in Chinakurali village in Pandavapura taluk, Ankegowda came from a farming family facing financial difficulties.
His parents, Marigowda and Ningamma, struggled to support the family financially. After completing Class 5, his father reportedly asked him to take up sheep herding due to economic circumstances.
Despite the challenges, Ankegowda continued his interest in education and pursued his studies with determination.
He later completed his SSLC and moved to Pandavapura for further education, relying on scholarships and assistance for meals during his academic journey.
His efforts eventually led him to join the then Mysore State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) as a bus conductor.
Passion for books transformed his life
A turning point came when his teacher, Gopinath Barki, encouraged him to continue higher education.
Ankegowda completed his BA degree at Maharaja Evening College in Mysuru between 1971 and 1973 and later obtained an MA in Kannada through distance education.
His love for books reportedly began during his student days while participating in the ‘Earn and Learn’ scheme at Mysore University Press.
Using the modest earnings he received from the programme, he started buying books, particularly publications from the Ramakrishna Mission.
Over time, his passion grew stronger. Even while working later as a foreman at a cooperative sugar factory in Pandavapura, he reportedly spent nearly 60 per cent of his salary on purchasing books.
Eventually, his collection expanded so significantly that he chose voluntary retirement to dedicate more time and effort towards preserving and developing his library.
Small house evolved into a library landmark
Initially, the growing book collection was stored in Ankegowda’s small house in Vishweshwaranagar in Pandavapura.
As the collection increased, books reportedly occupied almost every part of the house, transforming it into a place admired by visitors and book lovers.
The challenge of maintaining and preserving the collection became increasingly difficult.
During this phase, businessman Srihari Khoday extended support after being impressed by Ankegowda’s dedication.
In 2005, Khoday purchased land reportedly worth ₹12 lakh and supported the construction of a larger library building at a cost of nearly ₹80 lakh under the Ankegowda Gyan Pratishthan.
The institution later came to be known as Ankegowda Pustaka Mane.
Library gains national recognition
Today, the library contains approximately 15 lakh books and has become a significant knowledge centre attracting readers and researchers.
Apart from books, Ankegowda has also collected rare coins, postage stamps, greeting cards, vintage cameras and maps, reflecting his broader interests.
He also possesses more than 4,000 photographs and around 80 books related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Over the years, he has received several recognitions including the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, the Sahitya Paricharaka Award and honours from literary organisations.
His library has also received recognition from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and has been listed in the Limca Book of Records.
Ankegowda is currently expanding the library with additional floors to accommodate its growing collection. While reflecting on his journey, he has also expressed concern over declining public attention towards books and libraries, emphasising the need for stronger awareness regarding the importance of reading culture.