September 15 marks National Engineers' Day in India, a day dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya. Renowned as a pioneering civil engineer, statesman, and the Diwan of Mysore, Visvesvaraya's legacy continues to influence the field of engineering and beyond.
National Engineers' Day was officially recognised by the Government of India in 1968 to honour the birth of Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, who was born on September 15, 1861. The celebration extends beyond Indian borders, with recognition in Sri Lanka and Tanzania, reflecting Visvesvaraya's international impact.
In addition to this national celebration, UNESCO designates March 4 as World Engineers' Day, emphasising the role of engineering in global sustainable development and innovation.
Born in Muddenahalli, Karnataka, Visvesvaraya pursued a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Madras and studied Civil Engineering at Pune’s College of Science. His career is distinguished by several major achievements:
Bharat Ratna: Awarded in 1955, this is India's highest civilian honour.
Father of Modern Mysore: His engineering expertise significantly advanced the development of Mysore.
Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam: Designed by Visvesvaraya, this dam featured one of Asia’s largest reservoirs at the time.
Innovative Irrigation Systems: He introduced a patented floodgate system, which was implemented in projects like the Khadakvasla Reservoir and Tigra Dam.
Administrative Contributions: His leadership extended to managing critical infrastructure projects such as the Laxmi Talav dam and flood protection systems in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.
Visvesvaraya also made significant contributions to international projects, including the Mokama Bridge over the Ganges and road planning between Tirupati and Tirumala. His influence on education is cemented through numerous institutions named in his honour.
During his tenure as Diwan of Mysore from 1912 to 1919, Visvesvaraya spearheaded the establishment of key institutions:
Apex Chamber of Commerce in Karnataka
Bangalore Agricultural University
University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering and Sri Jayachamarajendra Polytechnic in Bangalore
Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Limited in Bhadravathi
Parasitoid Laboratory and Mysore Soap Factory
These institutions continue to reflect his vision for development and education.
Visvesvaraya's enduring impact is commemorated by several esteemed institutions:
Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur
Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi
Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology, Bangalore
University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering, Bangalore
National Engineers' Day is a celebration of the crucial role engineers play in advancing technology, infrastructure, and innovation. It provides an opportunity to recognise their contributions and the impact of their work on everyday life. Engineers drive societal progress through technological advancements and infrastructure maintenance.
The day also serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers. By highlighting the achievements of figures like Visvesvaraya, National Engineers' Day motivates young people to pursue engineering careers, embracing the challenges and opportunities the field offers.
On September 15, 2024, National Engineers' Day will be observed through various activities such as seminars, workshops, conferences, and award ceremonies. These events will celebrate outstanding engineers and offer a chance to reflect on the profession’s societal impact.
World Engineers' Day, observed on March 4, features a logo with 17 colours, symbolising the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This design represents a global commitment to sustainable infrastructure, energy solutions, and water management.
Engineers' Day is celebrated annually on September 15 to honour Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya.
Engineers' Day is dedicated to acknowledging the contributions of engineers to society, celebrating their hard work, innovation, and impact across various fields.
The day is marked with seminars, workshops, conferences, and award ceremonies. It also serves as a time for engineers to reflect on their profession and its impact on society.
National Engineers' Day pays tribute to Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya’s remarkable contributions to engineering and nation-building. It celebrates the spirit of innovation and dedication that engineers bring to their work, emphasising their role in shaping a better future.