Two million books, housed across a sprawling building, free for anyone to borrow and read.
That's the wealth that Anke Gowda, a retired sugar factory worker from India's southern Karnataka state, has accumulated over the past five decades.
The 79-year-old made headlines last month when he received the Padma Shri - a civilian honour awarded by the federal government - for his extraordinary contribution to promoting literacy and learning.
Gowda's impressive collection includes rare editions of the Bible, alongside books on every imaginable subject. Raised in a farming family where books were a luxury, he developed a curiosity for reading from a young age.
I grew up in a village. We never got books to read, but I was always curious about them. I kept thinking that I should read, gather books and gain knowledge, he shared.
Located in Pandavapura, Karnataka, Gowda's library lacks the rigid organization typical of public libraries. It's run without a librarian, and books are scattered across shelves and floors. he has even accumulated an additional 800,000 books that remain unpacked.
The library attracts students, parents, teachers, and avid readers, with many navigating through the informal setup just fine, citing Gowda's ability to find any book on request.
With the library operating daily, Gowda, his wife, and son reside in a corner of the building.
Gowda's passion for books started during his childhood, when he would often ask family members for money to purchase them. His journey continued as he worked various jobs, all while dedicating a substantial portion of his earnings to acquiring books.
Through perseverance and support from friends, notably Harik Khoday, who helped fund the construction of the library’s expansive building, Gowda's vision became a reality. Now, he emphasizes the need for others to help sustain the library and continue spreading the love for literature.
As he reflects on his journey, Gowda states, I have fulfilled my responsibility. But I don't have the energy anymore. Maybe the government and the public can take over now? I have done my best, now it is up to others.
