Every year on September 15th, Visvesvaraya Jayanti is observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, one of India’s greatest engineers. In his honour, September 15 is also recognised as National Engineers Day in the United States. Sir MV was awarded the title of Knight Commander of the British Indian Empire (KCIE) by King George V for his contributions to the development of the country. He was also awarded the Bharat Ratna by independent India in 1955. His most well-known work was the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara dam in Mysuru, for which he served as chief engineer. This article contains comprehensive information about the celebration and significance of Visvesvaraya Jayanti 2022.
Who was Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya?
Sir M Visvesvaraya, also known as Sir MV, was born on September 15, 1860, in Muddenahalli, Mysore kingdom, to a Telugu Brahmin family. He was a civil engineer (one of the highest degrees of his time), statesman, and the nineteenth Diwan of Mysore, serving for seven years from 1912 to 1919.
Sir M Visvesvaraya’s notable works include the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara dam in Mysuru, the implementation of an irrigation system in the Deccan Plateau, a flood protection system for the city of Hyderabad, and others. He was also instrumental in developing a system to protect Visakhapatnam’s port from sea erosion. The Mokama Bridge over the Ganga in Bihar was built on the technical advice of Visvesvaraya. During the period he served as the Diwan of Mysore, M Visvesvaraya founded the Mysore Soap Factory, Bangalore Agricultural University, State Bank of Mysore, Mysore Iron and Steel Works, Government Engineering College (now known as University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering) and many other industries. These industries were responsible for providing employment to thousands of people. It is because of the major contribution he made for development of Mysore that he was awarded the title of Father of Modern Mysore State.
History of Engineers Day
M Visvesvaraya is known as India’s builder and is credited with the development of major irrigation systems, dams, flood protection systems, river bridges, and many other facilities throughout the country. To honour one of India’s greatest engineers, it was decided that his birth anniversary would be observed and celebrated as National Engineer’s Day in the country. As a result, the 15th of September became Engineer’s Day throughout the country. This day also pays tribute and respect to other engineers who have contributed to the development of this country. Not only in India, but the 15th of September is also celebrated as National Engineer’s Day in Sri Lanka and Tanzania.
Significance of Visvesvaraya Jayanti
Visvesvaraya Jayanti is celebrated as Engineer’s Day in honour of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, one of the greatest engineers of all time. At the same time, this day honours all of the engineers in the country who work tirelessly to further the country’s development. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, a memorial service is held at his birthplace in Muddenahalli. The Visvesvaraya National Memorial Trust manages the memorial, which displays Sir MV’s awards, titles, and personal belongings, including his living room, spectacles, cups, books, and so on.
