Mysore/Mysuru: “The power of knowledge is stronger than muscle and money power and as such, all parents should educate their children in this highly competitive world,” said Padma Shri awardee M. Ankegowda of ‘Pustaka Mane’ in Pandavapura.

He was speaking after inaugurating Hoysala Awards (2025) presentation programme organised by Hoysala Kannada Sangha mattu Savigannada Patrika Balaga, marking its 26th anniversary, at District Kannada Sahitya Parishat Bhavan in Vijayanagar 1st Stage on Sunday.

Observing that there was a time when people thought that muscle power was enough to lead life, Ankegowda said, later on, money power was added to this. Now, it has all come to an end and knowledge has become prime, with people keenly looking to acquire new knowledge every other day. As such, knowledge is key in the present times, he noted.

Stating that he has been collecting books for 52 years, Ankegowda said, his ‘Pustaka Mane’ now has a collection of about 20 lakh books. “I have been lending these books for free to the people with an objective of spreading knowledge to future generations. ‘Pustaka Mane’ also has many useful books for UPSC, KPSC and other such competitive exams,” he maintained.

‘Vyaktitva Vikasana Vicharadhare,’ a book published by Sapna Book House and written by author Jayaprakash Puttur, who served as a Public Relations Officer to former President late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, was released by senior journalist Amshi Prasanna Kumar, while noted Poetess Dr. Latha Rajashekar released ‘Savigannada’ special edition  on the occasion.

As many as 15 personalities from different fields were presented Hoysala Award — Dr. Nagaraj V. Bairy (Sugama Sangeetha), Prof. N.S. Rangaraju (History and Heritage), Dr. B. Gurubasavaraja (Ayurveda), Manjappashetty Masagali (Folklore), Vaman Rao Bekal (Gadinadu Kannada seve), D. Thippanna (Amateur Theatre), G.S. Ashok Kumar (Co-operation), B. Ramesh (Literature and Culture Patronisation), Arasikumar (Photography), Dr. Malathi Kumar (Medical), Dr. Geetha Naval (Translation), Dr. Anupama (Sanskrit), Prof. H.S. Umadevi (Library Service), Jyothi Guruprasad (Education) and Vidushi Pallavi Raghavendra (Bharatanatyam).

Melukote Vangipura Mutt Seer Sri Ilai Alwar Swamiji graced the occasion. Veena Vidwan V. Nanjundaswamy delivered the felicitation address. ADC Dr. P. Shivaraju, Social worker Raghuram Vajpayee, District Kannada Sahitya Parishat Mysuru President Maddikere Gopal, noted Diabetologist Dr. V. Lakshminarayan, Vidushi Dr. K. Leela Prakash, author Jayaprakash Puttur and others were present. Ranganath Mysore welcomed. Vijayalakshmi Ranganath rendered the invocation. Manusha compered the programme.