Every year on September 15, National Engineers Day is observed. But have we given any thought to where it begins One-word answer: NO! We havent. India is a country of rising engineers, and this day is special as it commemorates them, but it all began with the birth anniversary of Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, a statesman and diwan of the old Mysore kingdom who is renowned for his groundbreaking engineering accomplishments. It is also referred to as Visvesvaraya Jayanti.Greetings to all hardworking engineers on #EngineersDay! Their innovative minds and tireless dedication have been the backbone of our nations progress. From infrastructural marvels to tech breakthroughs, their contributions touch every aspect of our lives. pic.twitter.com/lcBeL1GmZQ— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 15, 2023 Early life of MokshagundamOn September 15, 1861, Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was born in Karnataka. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in the University of Madras to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree. According to the Institution of Civil Engineers, he later enrolled at Punes College of Science to earn a diploma in civil engineering.Pioneer in the truest senseSome of M. Visvesvarayas best-known achievements are the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam in Mysore, the installation of the Deccan Plateau irrigation system, and the flood protection system for Hyderabad.In addition to numerous other businesses, Sir M. Visvesvaraya founded the Mysore Soap Factory, Bangalore Agricultural University, State Bank of Mysore, Mysore Iron and Steel Works, and Government Engineering College.(Image source: Twitter/x)Influential worksIn 1908, the Nizam of Hyderabad at the time asked Sir M. Visvesvaraya to create a drainage system in order to prevent flooding in the city. This occurred following the disastrous flood that year in Hyderabad. To stop the Musi River, which runs through Hyderabad, from being contaminated, Sir Visvesvaraya advocated building storage reservoirs and a sewage farm outside the city.Stars on his shoulderHe was also given the Bharat Ratna and the Knight Commander of the British Indian Empire.He was chosen as the Dewan in 1912 by the Maharaja of Mysore. He persisted in his efforts to advance the states overall growth. For his services to British India, he was appointed CIE and later knighted KCIE. The Government of British India sent Visvesvaraya to the British Colony of Aden to study water supply and drainage systems.(Image source: Twitter/x)The government of India declared M. Visvesvarayas birth anniversary as Engineers Day in 1968.He died on April 14, 1962, at the age of 101.
