‘Worked without expecting any reward’: Social worker Anke Gowda on being conferred Padma Shri 2026

MYSURU: Eminent social worker Anke Gowda expressed happiness after being conferred the Padma Shri 2026, saying she has always worked selflessly to promote literacy without expecting any recognition.

Gowda said he never imagined that her lifelong commitment to providing books to children would be honoured with one of India’s highest civilian awards and expressed gratitude to the government for acknowledging his efforts.

“I am very happy. I never expected any of this. My only intention was that books reach all children and that they get the books they desire. I have been doing this for 50 years, living a simple life and working without expecting any rewards. I am glad the government has recognised this effort”, he said.

Anke Gowda M. from Karnataka, who spent over five decades building one of India’s largest free-access libraries with nearly two million books, has been selected for the Padma Shri 2026 for his contributions to Literature and Education.#PeoplesPadma #UnsungHeroes @PadmaAwards… pic.twitter.com/ODkoL8uWSR

— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) January 25, 2026

On the eve of Republic Day, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) unveiled the official list of Padma awardees for 2026. The prestigious civilian honours recognise individuals from diverse fields, including arts, literature, social service, medicine, education and public service, for their excellence, dedication and long-term contribution to society.

The Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian honours of India, are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of higher order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field of activity.

President Droupadi Murmu has also approved Gallantry awards to 70 Armed Forces personnel, including six posthumous, on the eve of the 77th Republic Day. These include one Ashok Chakra; three Kirti Chakras; 13 Shaurya Chakras, including one posthumous; one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry); 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry), including five posthumous; six Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).

Additionally, for the year 2026, the President has approved the conferment of 131 Padma Awards, including two duo cases (where an award is counted as one).

The list comprises 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri Awards. 19 of the awardees are women, and the list also includes 6 persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI, and 16 Posthumous awardees. (ANI)