National Engineer’s Day is annually observed across India on 15th September to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (15 September 1861), who is considered as one of the greatest Engineers in India.
- This day also honours engineers for their vital role in shaping society and recognizes the contributions made by engineers to India’s development through innovation and technology.
The theme of National Engineer’s Day 2023 observed on 15th September 2023 is, ‘Engineering for a Sustainable Future,’ which highlights engineers’ role in addressing global challenges.
Note: Apart from India, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania also celebrate Engineers’ Day on September 15, to honour Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya’s contribution to their respective countries.
Background:
i.In 1968, the Government of India (GoI) declared the birth anniversary of Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, as National Engineers’ Day.
ii.Since then, National Engineers’ Day has been celebrated in India on September 15th each year as a tribute to his legacy and acknowledges the contributions made by engineers to India’s growth and development.
About Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya:
i.Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was born on September 15, 1861, in Muddenahalli village in Karnataka, and is widely regarded as a pioneer in the field of engineering in India.
- He is also referred to as Sir MV and the ‘Father of Modern Mysore‘ for his major contributions to society.
- He was also called the “Precursor of economic planning in India”, according to the Institution of Engineers India (IEI).
ii.From 1912 to 1918, he served as the 19th Diwan of Mysore(now Mysuru, Karnataka). He was the Chief Engineer responsible for the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam in Mysore.
iii.He was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE) in recognition of his achievements and contribution to Indian society in 1911.
iv.He designed and patented automatic water floodgates in 1903, which were first installed at the Khadakwasla reservoir, in Pune (Maharashtra).
Awards:
i.In 1955, the GoI honoured him with ‘Bharat Ratna‘ for his significant contributions in the field of engineering and for his service to the nation.
ii.He was also knighted as a Knight Commander of the British Indian Empire (KCIE) by King George V, which put the honourific ‘Sir’ before his name.
- As a mark of respect, in the memory of Sir M V, the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) instituted an Annual Award in 1999 to recognize people who have made outstanding contributions to the economic and social development of Karnataka.
Books:
Reconstructing India (1920); Planned Economy for India (1934); Memoirs of My Working Life (1951).
About Institution of Engineers India (IEI):
IEI was incorporated under the Royal Charter on 9th September 1935 by the then His Majesty King George V. After Independence(1947), IEI became a “Body Corporate” protected under Article 372 of the Constitution of India and is administered by a National Council.
President– Er. Shivanand Roy
Headquarters– Kolkata, West Bengal
Established in– 1920
