National Engineers Day was celebrated on Thursday, 15th September. Engineers are professionals involved in designing and innovating machines, devices, structures, and digital systems that we use today. With the basic application of scientific and mathematical theories, engineers have innovated and designed machines that improve our world significantly.
Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was born in Karnataka and completed his postgraduation in Arts from the University of Mysore. He then pursued Engineering at the College of Science in Pune. Also known as the “Father of Modern Mysore”, Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya undertook several complex projects and became one of the most distinguished engineers in India. Since his projects were popular, he was sent to Yemen to study drainage and water supply systems by the Government of India.
Engineer's Day in India
The nation celebrates Engineer’s Day every year on September 15th. It is celebrated to commemorate the great achievements of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya on his birth anniversary. It is also celebrated to encourage and appreciate the innovative contributions of all the engineers in the country. Tanzania and South Africa, too, celebrate National Engineer’s Day on the same day.Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was born in Karnataka and completed his postgraduation in Arts from the University of Mysore. He then pursued Engineering at the College of Science in Pune. Also known as the “Father of Modern Mysore”, Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya undertook several complex projects and became one of the most distinguished engineers in India. Since his projects were popular, he was sent to Yemen to study drainage and water supply systems by the Government of India.
History of National Engineers Day
- He used his engineering and irrigation techniques to manage floods. In 1903, he designed and developed automatic floodgates, which were installed in Pune at the Khadakwasla reservoir. Later, these floodgates were also installed at the Mysuru’s Krishnaraja Sagara and the Gwalior’s Tigra Dam, where he was the chief engineer.
- In 1908, he tamed the floods of the Musi river in Hyderabad by designing schemes for both flood protection and the development of modern sewage schemes.
- He is also known for his contributions to developing block systems to avoid water wastage in dams.
- He contributed to the design of the road construction that links Tirumala and Tirupati.
- He was also the 19th Diwan of Mysore and served from 1912 to 1919.
- In 1915, he was knighted by the British Indian Empire as a “Knight Commander” for his engineering contributions to the public.
- In 1917, he formed the Government Engineering College in Bengaluru. The college was later renamed the University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering.
- He received an Honorary Membership of the London Institution of Civil Engineers
