National Engineer’s Day is annually observed across India on September 15 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayaan, who is known as the first engineer of India for his vital contribution to the field of engineering and education.
- This day recognises the achievements and invaluable contributions of engineers across India.
Note: Sri Lanka and Tanzania also celebrate September 15, every year, as National Engineers’ Day to pay homage to Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya and to recognize his contribution to their country.
Background:
i.The Government of India (GoI) declared the birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya as National Engineers’ Day in 1968.
ii.The first-ever National Engineers’ Day was celebrated on 15th September 1968.
About Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya:
i.Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was born on 15th September, 1861 in Karnataka.
- He was popularly known as Sir MV, Father of Mysore and Father of Indian Engineering for his contributions to the society.
ii.According to the Institution of Engineers India (IEI), he was also called as ‘Precursor of economic planning in India’.
iii.He served as the Diwan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918. He was the chief engineer responsible for the construction of Krishna Raja Sagara dam in Mysore (now Mysuru, Karnataka).
iv.He is best known for his work on irrigation and water supply projects, including Khadakwasla Dam in Pune (Maharashtra).
Books:
He has authored several book including Reconstructing India (1902); Planned Economy for India (1934); and Memoirs of My Working Life (1951).
Awards & Honours:
i.In 1955, the GoI honoured him with Bharat Ratna for his significant contributions in the field of engineering and for his service to India.
ii.He was awarded the title of Knight Commander of the British Indian Empire (KCIE). The title gave him the honourific “Sir” before his name.
About the Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI):
IEI was established in 1920 and incorporated under the Royal Charter on September 9 1935 by King George V.
President – G Ranganath
Headquarters – Kolkata, West Bengal (WB)
