Engineers’ Day is observed on September 15 each year to commemorate the birth anniversary of M Visvesvaraya, a prominent engineer known for his significant contributions to modern engineering and infrastructure in India.
About M (Mokshagundam) Visvesvaraya:
Key Contributions:
- Role as Diwan: Served as the Diwan of Mysore, playing a vital role in the state’s development.
- Krishnaraja Sagara Dam: Chief engineer responsible for the construction of this dam on the Kaveri River, which was the largest in Asia at the time.
- Innovative Designs:
- Invented a block system and automated doors for controlling water overflow in dams, installed in Gwalior’s Tigra Dam and Mysuru’s Krishnaraja Sagara Dam.
- Designed and patented floodgates first installed at the Khadakwasla reservoir in Pune in 1903.
- Irrigation and Flood Control: Built dams and water systems that enhanced irrigation facilities and mitigated flood risks, saving many lives.
- Urban Planning: Developed a drainage system for Hyderabad after devastating floods in 1908.
- Port Protection: Instrumental in creating a system to protect Visakhapatnam port from sea erosion.
- Educational Institutions: Established several institutions, including-
- Mysore Agricultural University
- University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering
- Sri Jayachamarajendra Polytechnic Institute
- Bangalore Agricultural University
- Industrial Contributions: Founded industries such as the Mysore Soap Factory and Mysore Iron & Steel Works.
Awards and Recognition:
- Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (1915): Awarded for his exceptional services.
- Bharat Ratna (1955): India’s highest civilian award.
- Honorary Membership: Received from the London Institution of Civil Engineers for 50 years in 1904.
- Various Honors:
- “Kaisar-i-Hind” (1906) for services to the nation.
- C.I.E. (Companion of the Indian Empire) at the Delhi Darbar (1911).
- Elected as an Honorary Life Member of the Institution of Engineers (India) in 1943.
- Multiple honorary doctoral degrees from various Indian universities.
Legacy
- Literary Contributions: Authored important works, including “Reconstructing India” and “Planned Economy of India.”
- Postage Stamp: India Post issued a stamp on his 100th birthday on September 15, 1960.
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Question:
Who was M Visvesvaraya?
M Visvesvaraya was an eminent Indian engineer known for his significant contributions to infrastructure and urban planning.
What role did M Visvesvaraya play as Diwan of Mysore?
As Diwan of Mysore, he contributed immensely to the state’s development, including infrastructure and educational advancements.
What is the significance of the Krishnaraja Sagara Dam?
M Visvesvaraya was the chief engineer responsible for constructing the Krishnaraja Sagara Dam, which was the largest in Asia at the time.
What innovations did M Visvesvaraya introduce in dam construction?
He invented a block system and automated doors to control water overflow in dams, revolutionizing flood management systems.
Which institutions did M Visvesvaraya establish?
He established educational institutions like the University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering and Mysore Agricultural University.