M. Anke Gowda of Haralahalli village in Mandya district, noted for establishing the free public access library Pustaka Mane, has been selected for the Padma Shri award for 2026, media reports say.
Widely respected as a grassroots institution-builder, Gowda is also closely associated with the local cooperative banking movement, having played a key role in strengthening community-based credit institutions alongside his social work.
His cooperative bank link helped him mobilise resources, encourage thrift and spread financial awareness in rural areas. Blending cooperative principles with his passion for reading, Gowda expanded access to books for villagers across generations.
The award recognises his lifelong contribution to librarianship, social empowerment and the cooperative ethos rooted in self-help and collective progress.