New Delhi: Every year, September 15 is observed as Engineers Day to honour engineers and their contributions to society. It is celebrated in India on the birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya.


He is regarded as one of the greatest nation-builders and was instrumental in the development of India's modern dams, reservoirs, and hydropower projects. This year, we celebrate the 161st birth anniversary of India's greatest engineer


Engineer's Day: History


The birth anniversary of Sir M. Visvesvaraya was designated Engineers' Day by the Indian government in 1968. Since that time, this day has been observed to recognise and honour all engineers who have contributed to and are currently contributing to the development of a modern and developed India.


Who was Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya?


Sir M Visvesvaraya was born in a tiny town close to Chikkaballapur in Karnataka in 1861. He lost his father, who was a scholar of Sanskrit when he was 15 years old. He had finished his elementary schooling at Chikkaballapur before moving to Bangalore to pursue his higher studies. He enrolled at the Science College in Pune to study engineering, where he placed first in the 1883 examinations.


Visvesvaraya founded the Government Engineering College in Bengaluru in 1917, which was later renamed the University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering in his honour.


Sir M Visvesvaraya's significant works include the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara dam in Mysore, the execution of the Deccan Plateau irrigation system, the Hyderabad flood control system, and many others. 


Sir M Visvesvaraya also established a number of enterprises, including the Mysore Soap Factory, the Bangalore Agricultural University, the State Bank of Mysore, the Mysore Iron and Steel Works, the Government Engineering College, and many more. The inhabitants of Mysore were supported by these industries.


As part of his distinguished career, Sir M. Visvesvaraya has also written two books: Reconstructing India and Planned Economy of India.


In 1955, the Indian government awarded this legend the "Bharat Ratna" for his tremendous contributions to society. He had also received the British knighthood from King George V, earning him the title "sir."


Even though the legend passed away in 1962, new engineers who are dedicated to nation-building continue to carry on his legacy and enthusiasm.


Engineer's Day: Significance


According to statistics, India boasts the world's second highest number of engineers.  Engineering contributes significantly to the Indian economy and is critical to India's overall growth.


This day serves as a reminder to all engineers in the country, particularly civil engineers, to make Sir M Visvesvaraya their role model in achieving their goals and contributing to the development of the country.


India has also done well in the IT business, which has been developing at a rapid rate, thanks to all of the country's diligent software developers. Other types of engineering, such as mechanical, aeronautical, chemical, and computer engineering, contribute to India's progress.


Engineer's Day: Celebrations in 2022


Every year on the occasion of Sir M Visvesvaraya's birth anniversary, a memorial is conducted at his birthplace in Muddenahalli. The Visvesvaraya National Memorial Trust organises the memorial and displays Sir MV's medals, titles, and personal possessions, such as his living room, spectacles, mugs, books, and so on.


Senior officials and lawmakers around the country also pay respect to Sir M Visvesvaraya via informative and motivating speeches.