September 15: National Engineer’s Day

The National Engineer’s Day is observed every year on September 15 every year to recognize and pay tribute to achievements of Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya.

Who was Sir M Visvesvaraya?

  • Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was born on September 15, 1861 in Karnataka.
  • He is noted for setting up Mysore Soap Factory, Bangalore Agricultural University, State Bank of Mysore, Mysore Iron and Steel Works, Government Engineering College and several other industries.
  • He was the recipient of Bharat Ratna (India’s highest civilian award) and was recognized as the Knight Commander of the British Indian Empire.
  • He served as the Diwan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918.
  • He is credited for the creation of block systems.
  • He patented and installed an irrigation system with water floodgates at a reservoir near Pune to increase storage capacity.
  • This irrigation system was later installed at the Khadakvasla Reservoir as well as at Tigra Dam at Gwalior and Krishnaraja Sagara Reservoir Dam in Mysuru.
  • Sir M Visvesvaraya is also known as the “precursor of economic planning in India”.
  • He published two books – “Reconstructing India” and “Planned Economy of India” in 1920 and 1934 respectively.
  • He passed away in the year 1962.

Significance of the day

The National Engineer’s Day gives recognition to all engineers in India and raise awareness about their contributions towards the development of the country. India currently has the second largest number of engineers in the world. This day is celebrated India, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. It honors the contributions made by Sir M Visvesvaraya.


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