National Engineer’s Day is celebrated annually across India on September 15 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Awardee Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, who is considered one of the greatest engineers of India.
- The day aims to recognise the contribution of engineers in the development of the nation.
- Sri Lanka and Tanzania also celebrate Engineers Day on 15th September to honour Sir M Visvesvaraya’s contributions.
Note:
i.September 15, 2022, marks the observance of the 55th. National Engineers Day.
ii.National Engineers Day 2022 marks the 161st birth anniversary of Sir M Visvesvaraya. He was born on 15th September 1861.
Background:
i.The government of India declared the birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya as National Engineers day.
ii.The first – ever National Engineers Day was observed on 15th September 1968.
About Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya:
i.Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was born on September 15, 1861 in Muddenahalli village, Karnataka.
- He was popularly known as the ‘Father of Modern Mysore’ because of his major contributions.
ii.He was also called the “precursor of economic planning in India”, according to the Institution of Engineers India (IEI).
iii.The creation of ‘block systems’ in 1903 is attributed to Sir M Visvesvaraya. He patented and installed an irrigation system with water floodgates at the Khadakvasla reservoir near Pune (Maharashtra) to raise the water supply level and storage.
Awards:
- He was awarded ‘Bharat Ratna’ for his exceptional contribution to the building of India in 1955.
- He was conferred the British knighthood in 1915 and served as Diwan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918.
Books:
- “Reconstructing India”-1920
- “Planned Economy of India” – 1934
Engineers Day celebrations:
According to the circular issued on August 31, 2022, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced that the Engineers’ Day will be celebrated across various government departments by organising workshops, seminars, lectures, awarding of engineers and improving communication skills.
About Institution of Engineers(India) (IEI):
It was incorporated under the Royal Charter on 9th September, 1935 by the King George V.
Established-1920
Headquarters-Kolkata, West Bengal
