Engineer’s Day is celebrated in India every year on 15 September to mark the birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1861–1962) – one of India’s greatest engineers, statesmen, and visionaries. It not only honours Visvesvaraya’s legacy but also highlights the role of engineers in national development and future innovation.
Engineer’s Day 2025 Theme
- Theme: “Deep Tech and Engineering Excellence: Driving India’s Techade”.
- Focus Areas:
- Cutting-edge technologies → Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Quantum Computing, Sustainable Innovations.
- Encourages engineers to pursue excellence, innovation, and problem-solving.
- Links engineering to India’s aspiration of becoming a global technology leader.
Legacy of Sir M. Visvesvaraya
Early Life:
- Born: 15 September 1861, Muddenahalli, Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka.
- Overcame financial struggles after losing his father (a Sanskrit scholar) at a young age.
- Education:
- BA (Central College, Bengaluru).
- Civil Engineering (College of Engineering, Pune).
Major Contributions:
- Irrigation & Flood Control: Designed automatic sluice gates at Khadakwasla reservoir (Pune) → replicated across India.
- KRS Dam, Mysuru: Revolutionized irrigation, power supply, and agriculture in Karnataka.
- Hyderabad Drainage System: Prevented recurring floods.
- Mysuru Modernisation: As Dewan of Mysore (1912–1918), promoted industries, education, Mysore Soap Factory, and State Bank of Mysore.
Recognition:
- Awarded Bharat Ratna in 1955.
- Knighted as Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE) by the British in 1915.
- His engineering models still function today (e.g., KRS Dam).
Why Engineer’s Day on his Birthday?
- Sir M. Visvesvaraya’s projects combined foresight, sustainability, and innovation.
- Many of his creations (KRS Dam, drainage systems, industries) remain relevant and operational.
- His birthday, 15 September, symbolizes precision, planning, and contribution to nation-building through engineering.
World Engineering Day (UNESCO)
- Observed globally: 4 March every year.
- Declared by UNESCO in 2019.
- Celebrates engineers’ role in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- 2025 Theme: “Engineering solutions for a sustainable world” → stresses balancing technological growth with environmental sustainability.
Sir M. Visvesvaraya (1861–1962)
- Dewan of Mysore (1912–1918).
- Founded institutions like the University of Mysore (1916).
- Instrumental in establishing industries: Mysore Soap Factory, Mysore Iron and Steel Works, etc.
- His memoir: “Reconstructing India”.
Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam
- Built across the Cauvery River in Karnataka.
- Named after Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV.
- Plays a crucial role in irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower.
Bharat Ratna
- India’s highest civilian award.
- Instituted in 1954.
- Sir M. Visvesvaraya received it in 1955, one of the earliest recipients.
Engineering Institutions in India
- IIT Kharagpur (1951): First IIT established.
- Institution of Engineers (India): Founded in 1920, HQ at Kolkata.
- AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education): Apex body for technical education in India, established in 1945 (statutory status in 1987).
World Engineering Day (UNESCO)
- Approved at UNESCO’s 40th General Conference in 2019.
- First observed in 2020.