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Anke Gowda Awarded Padma Shri 2026 for 50 Years of Promoting Literacy

Eminent social worker Anke Gowda expressed joy and humility upon being conferred the Padma Shri 2026 for her lifelong dedication to promoting literacy among children. She stated she worked selflessly for 50 years without expecting recognition, aiming only to ensure books reach every child. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the list of 131 Padma awardees for 2026 on the eve of Republic Day. Separately, President Droupadi Murmu approved Gallantry awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel.

Key Points: Padma Shri 2026: Social Worker Anke Gowda Honoured

  • Anke Gowda honoured with Padma Shri
  • Worked 50 years to provide books to children
  • 131 Padma Awards approved for 2026
  • President also approved 70 Gallantry awards
  • 19 awardees are women
2 min read

"Worked without expecting any reward": Social Worker Anke Gowda on being conferred Padma Shri 2026

Social worker Anke Gowda receives Padma Shri 2026 for her 50-year selfless mission to provide books to children. Full list of awardees announced.

"I have been doing this for 50 years, living a simple life and working without expecting any rewards. - Anke Gowda"

Mysore, January 26

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.

Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Gowda said she 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 her 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," she said.

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.

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu has 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

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
It's good to see grassroots workers getting recognition. Often these awards go to celebrities or industrialists. People like Anke Gowda, who have actually changed lives in villages, deserve this honour much more.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the education sector, I find her dedication remarkable. Getting books to children who need them is such fundamental work. Her humility in saying she never expected recognition makes the award even more meaningful.
A
Aditya G
While I'm happy for all awardees, I do wish the selection process was more transparent sometimes. There are thousands of unsung heroes across India. But congratulations to Anke Gowda ji - 50 years is no small feat!
M
Meera T
Her story reminds me of my grandmother who used to run a small library in our mohalla. These are the real nation builders. Padma Shri is well deserved! May her work inspire more youth to take up social causes. 🇮🇳
K
Karthik V
Good to see the awards going to people from diverse fields. The list includes gallantry awards for our brave soldiers too. Jai Hind to all the awardees! Each one has contributed to making India better in their own way.

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