India celebrates Engineers Day on 15 September every year. But do you know on whose birthday these auspicious celebrations happen. On this day a great civil engineer was born whose great contribution to society earned him the Highest Honor of India- Bharat Ratna. This great personality was the Sir M. Visvesvaraya and this article is all about him. Read it and you will know why there is an Engineer’s Day on your calendar.
M. Visvesvaraya
Sir M. Visvesvaraya’s full name was Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya. He was often referred to by his initials MV. He was a civil engineer and was so great that his birthday is celebrated as Engineer’s Day not only in India but also in Sri Lanka and Tanzania. Visvesvaraya was an administrator and statesman and also served as the Dewan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918.
Sir M. Visvesvaraya is considered as the “Maker of Modern Mysore”.
Childhood and Education of M. Visvesvaraya
Sir M. Visvesvaraya was born on 15 September 1861 at Muddenahalli, Kingdom of Mysore. His birthplace is now in Chikkaballapura district, Karnataka. As a child, Visvesvaraya displayed remarkable intelligence and a thirst for knowledge. After completing his early education in his village, he moved to Bangalore (now Bengaluru) to pursue further studies. Upon completing his high school education, he entered Central College, Bengaluru, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Following the completion of his B.A. degree, Visvesvaraya became interested in engineering and decided to pursue a career in it.
He went on to study civil engineering at the College of Engineering, Pune (formerly known as Poona Engineering College), one of the premier engineering institutions in India at that time.
Visvesvaraya’s dedication and exceptional academic performance earned him a scholarship from the government of Bombay Presidency, which enabled him to pursue further studies in engineering at the College of Science in Pune. He graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degree in 1884, topping his class and receiving a gold medal.
Even during his childhood, Visvesvaraya showed a strong inclination towards problem-solving and innovation. He would often engage in experiments and engineering projects, showcasing his natural talent and curiosity.
His formative years laid the foundation for his future accomplishments, where he combined his intellectual abilities with a deep understanding of engineering principles to become one of India’s most renowned engineers and visionaries.
Marvels and Innovations
Visvesvaraya’s expertise in civil engineering propelled him to the forefront of India’s infrastructure development. As the Chief Engineer of Mysore State, he left an indelible mark on the nation’s landscape. One of his most notable accomplishments was the design and construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara dam on the river Kaveri. This monumental project not only facilitated irrigation for agriculture but also generated hydroelectric power, transforming the region’s economy.
Visvesvaraya’s ingenious engineering solutions extended beyond dams. He devised innovative techniques for the implementation of efficient water supply and drainage systems, revolutionizing urban planning. His contributions to the field of irrigation and water management have had a lasting impact, improving agricultural productivity and fostering socio-economic development.
Public Service and Statesmanship
In addition to his engineering prowess, Visvesvaraya made significant contributions as a statesman and administrator. He served as the Dewan (Prime Minister) of Mysore from 1912 to 1918, where he implemented progressive reforms and championed education, industrialization, and public welfare. Under his leadership, Mysore witnessed remarkable advancements, including the establishment of the Mysore University and the State Bank of Mysore.
Recognition and Legacy
Visvesvaraya’s remarkable achievements garnered national and international acclaim. In 1915, he was knighted by the British government for his exceptional service to the nation. In 1955, he became the recipient of India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to engineering and nation-building.
Beyond his accolades and titles, Visvesvaraya’s true legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to progress and his vision for a prosperous and self-reliant India. His dedication to public service and his advocacy for technical education continue to inspire generations. Engineer’s Day in India, celebrated on September 15th each year, serves as a reminder of his immense contributions and an opportunity to honor his legacy.
Conclusion
M. Visvesvaraya stands as an exemplar of ingenuity, determination, and public service. His pioneering work in engineering and infrastructure development has shaped the course of India’s progress, and his visionary ideas continue to guide the nation’s development endeavors. As we reflect upon his remarkable life and accomplishments, let us draw inspiration from his unwavering commitment to excellence and strive to make a positive impact in our own spheres, just as Visvesvaraya did for the nation he loved.
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