Who was M Visvesvaraya, India’s 1st Engineer? And, what iconic structures he built?
The contributions of Visvesvaraya have played a major role in the field of engineering and education.
New Delhi: Engineers are an integral part of developing a nation. Every year on September 15, the nation celebrates the hard work of the engineers. The day is commemorated as a tribute to the first and one of the greatest engineers from India, that is, Sir M. Visvesvaraya. The contributions of Visvesvaraya have played a major role in the field of engineering and education. Since 1968, India celebrates Engineer’s Day on this date every year.
Celebrating the 161st birth anniversary of India’s greatest engineer, let’s take a look at some of the amazing facts about Sir M. Visvesvaraya.
Who was M. Visvesvaraya?
Born on September 15, 1861, in Muddenahalli village in Karnataka, M. Visvesvaraya lost his father, a Sanskrit scholar at the age of 15. He completed early education in Chikkaballapur and then he moved to Bangalore for higher education. Later, he joined the Science College to study Engineering in Pune and was ranked first in the Examination in 1883.
Every year September 15 is observed as Engineer’s Day in India to mark the birth anniversary of Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya who is considered a pioneer in the field of engineering in India.
The brain behind the Krishnaraja Sagara (KRS) dam in Mysore
After completing his education, he got placed at Nasikfrom the Government of Bombay as an Assistant Engineer. He successfully implemented various projects as an engineer.
Visvesvaraya was also considered the Diwan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918. Besides, he was the main man behind the workings of the Krishnaraja Sagar dam in Mysore as well as the chief designer of the flood protection system for the city of Hyderabad.
Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV Maharaj of Mysore built the dam during the famine despite the critical financial condition of the state. It was after him the dam was named.
Inventor of the Block System
Visvesvaraya also invented the block system, automated doors that close the water overflows. He designed and patented the floodgates which were first installed at the Khadakwasla reservoir in Pune in 1903.
Father of Indian Engineering
Visvesvaraya was popular throughout the world for his contribution to harnessing water resources. He was responsible for the construction and consolidation of dams across India. He was also recognised for formulating the Block System which includes automatic gates that close under the situation of floods.
First engineer of India
Visvesvaraya is considered the first engineer of India for his vital contribution to the field of engineering and education. He is regarded as the greatest nation-builders who played a crucial role in constructing dams, reservoirs, and hydro-power projects of modern India.
Awards and achievements
The Government of India awarded ‘Bharat Ratna’ to M. Visvesvaraya in the year 1995. He was also awarded the British knighthood by King George V, and hence has the title “sir.”
In Bengaluru, in 1917, M. Visvesvaraya established Government Engineering College, which was later renamed as University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering to pay him tribute.