Libraries often grow through institutions. However, in Karnataka, one man built a literary treasure through sacrifice and determination.

Ankegowda received the Padma Shri from Droupadi Murmu for promoting reading culture and preserving knowledge.

The honour recognises his decades-long commitment to books and libraries under the ‘Unsung Heroes’ category.

Born in Chinakurali village in 1949, Ankegowda grew up in a struggling farming family. Financial hardships shaped his childhood.

After Class 5, his father wanted him to herd sheep. Nevertheless, he remained focused on studies and continued learning through scholarships and support schemes.

Later, he joined the Mysore State Road Transport Corporation as a bus conductor.

His turning point arrived during college years in Mysuru. Under the ‘Earn and Learn’ scheme, he worked at the Mysore University Press and earned ₹5 daily.

Instead of spending on comforts, he bought books from the Ramakrishna Mission. Consequently, reading soon became a lifelong mission.

Ankegowda later completed his BA and MA in Kannada while working. He also served at the cooperative sugar factory in Pandavapura.

Even then, he spent nearly 60% of his salary on books. Over time, the growing collection occupied every corner of his small home in Vishweshwaranagar. Visitors described the house as a paradise for book lovers.

However, preserving lakhs of books became difficult. At that stage, businessman Srihari Khoday stepped forward with support.

In 2005, he purchased land worth ₹12 lakh and funded a library building costing ₹80 lakh. Thus emerged ‘Ankegowda Pustaka Mane,’ now among India’s largest free-access libraries.

Today, the library houses nearly 15 lakh books and attracts readers from different generations. Besides books, Ankegowda preserves rare coins, vintage cameras, stamps, maps, and photographs.

His rare coin collection alone reportedly values around ₹2 crore. Meanwhile, he continues expanding the library despite concerns about society’s declining interest in books.

Over the years, Ankegowda received several honours, including the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award. Yet, his greatest achievement remains simple: protecting knowledge for future generations.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on December 27, 2016

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/24143