New Delhi, Jan 25: Among the 45 individuals selected for the Padma Shri in the ‘unsung heroes’ category for Republic Day are a former bus conductor who built the world’s largest free-access library, a paediatrician behind Asia’s first human milk bank, and a 90-year-old rare instrument player, sources said on Sunday.
Anke Gowda, a 75-year-old from Harlahalli village near Mysuru in Karnataka, transformed from bus conductor to bibliophile by establishing ‘Pustak Mane’—the world’s largest free-access library with over two million books in 20 languages, including rare manuscripts.
Mumbai-based paediatrician Armida Fernandes receives the award for creating Asia’s first human milk bank, significantly boosting infant survival rates.
The list also includes Bundeli war art trainer Bhagwandas Raikwar from Madhya Pradesh, 90-year-old tribal Tarpa player Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda from Maharashtra—who plays the bottle gourd and bamboo instrument—and J&K social worker Brij Lal Bhat, among others.
These awards celebrate grassroots contributions across literature, healthcare, arts, and social service.
