The father of Indian engineering is M. Visvesvaraya, and India celebrates Engineers Day on his birth anniversary. Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, or Sir MV as he is commonly known, was an eminent Indian engineer, statesman, and scholar. He was born on September 15, 1861, in the state of Karnataka in southern India.
Sir MV’s contributions to the field of engineering are immense and have left a lasting impact on India’s development. He played a key role in the construction of dams, irrigation systems, and hydroelectric projects, which were crucial for agricultural and industrial growth in the country. Some notable projects he was involved in include the Krishna Raja Sagara dam in Karnataka and the Block System of Irrigation in the Deccan region.
Apart from his engineering accomplishments, Sir MV also served as a visionary statesman. He served as the Chief Engineer of Mysore state and later went on to become the Diwan (Chief Minister) of Mysore from 1912 to 1918. During his tenure, he initiated several reforms in areas such as education, public health, and rural development, which had a transformative impact on the state.
In recognition of his contributions, Sir MV was honored with numerous awards and accolades. He was knighted by the British Crown in 1915 and received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1955. He was also conferred with honorary doctoral degrees from several prestigious universities, both in India and abroad.
Engineers Day in India is celebrated on September 15th every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of M. Visvesvaraya. The day is dedicated to honoring the contributions of engineers in nation-building and promoting the importance of engineering in society.
On this day, various events and activities are organized across the country to highlight the achievements of engineers and inspire young minds to pursue careers in engineering. Seminars, workshops, and exhibitions are held to showcase advancements in different fields of engineering and create awareness about the role of engineers in shaping the nation’s future.
M. Visvesvaraya, popularly known as Sir MV, is considered the father of Indian engineering. His pioneering work in the field of engineering, as well as his contributions to the development of the nation, make him a revered figure in India. Engineers Day is celebrated on his birth anniversary as a tribute to his remarkable legacy and to recognize the vital role of engineers in India’s progress.