Archive · 26 Jan 2026
45 Unsung Heroes Honored with Padma Shri
The Indian government has given a special award called the Padma Shri to 45 people who have done amazing things but are not very famous.
One of them is Anke Gowda, who used to be a bus conductor.
He started a very big library called Pustak Mane, which has more than two million books in 20 different languages.
This library is free for everyone to use.
The award is given to recognize these heroes who have made a big difference in India.
Other winners include a doctor who started a special milk bank for babies and a 90-year-old musician who plays rare instruments.
These people have done wonderful things to help others and make the world a better place.
The government says these awardees represent everyday Indians who work hard to serve the country.
Some people might wonder how these individuals were chosen, but the government believes the process is fair and thorough.
45 individuals awarded the Padma Shri in the 'unsung heroes' category on Republic Day.
Anke Gowda, a former bus conductor, received the award for establishing the world's largest free-access library, 'Pustak Mane'.
The library has over two million books in 20 languages and includes rare manuscripts.
Other notable awardees include a paediatrician who formed Asia's first human milk bank and a 90-year-old rare musical instrument player.
The awards recognize exceptional contributions and efforts in various fields across India.
- Who
- 45 individuals, including Anke Gowda, a former bus conductor and bibliophile
- What
- Awarded the Padma Shri in the 'unsung heroes' category
- When
- Announced on Republic Day
- Where
- India
- Why
- For their exceptional contributions and efforts in various fields
Government Perspective
Public Perspective
Selection Process
Government Perspective
The government believes the selection process is thorough and recognizes true unsung heroes.
Public Perspective
Some members of the public may question the transparency and criteria of the selection process.
- Number of Awardees
- 45
- Category
- Unsung Heroes
- Occasion
- Republic Day
- Notable Awardee
- Anke Gowda
- Notable Awardee's Contribution
- World's largest free-access library
- Library Name
- Pustak Mane
- Library's Book Count
- More than two million
- Library's Languages
- 20 languages
- Age of Anke Gowda
- 75 years
- Location of Anke Gowda
- Haralahalli village near Mysuru, Karnataka
Sources
Padma Shri announced for 45 in in unsung category
Padma Shri announced for 45 in unsung category
Padma Shri 2026 Full List: Bus conductor, 90-year-old tribal musician among 45 ‘unsung heroes’
Padma Awards 2026 Announced on Republic Day Eve; India Honours Unsung Heroes | Check Full List of Awardees
Padma Awards 2026: Meet 75 yr old Anke Gowda, a bus conductor who built a library of 2 million books
90-Year-Old Musician, Mumbai Paediatrician On Padma Awards' 'Unsung Heroes' List: Sources
Bus conductor, paediatrician among 45 Padma Shri 'unsung heroes'
Ex-bus conductor, nonagenarian musician among 45 awarded Padma Shri in ‘unsung heroes’ category; list announced on Republic Day eve
From a bus conductor’s free library to a paediatrician’s milk bank, Padma Shri honours India’s unsung heroes
Ex-Bus Conductor To Be Awarded Padma Shri | Know Why
Republic Day 2026: ‘Unsung Heroes’ no longer unsung as Padma celebrates creators, builders
India honours 45 ‘unsung heroes’ with Padma Award