Remembering Bharat Ratna M. Visvesvaraya, wizard of civil engineering

15 September, 2012

In India, September 15 is observed as Engineer's Day to mark the birth anniversary of the legendary engineer Bharat Ratna M. Visvesvaraya (1861-1962). He is recognized as a wizard of civil engineering world over.

AS A recoginition to his work and contribution to the public good, he was knighted as a Commander of the British Indian Empire by King George V. Thereafter, he became popular as Sir MV and famous internationally as a civil engineer who made notable contribution in harnessing water resources; designing and constructing dams, bridges; and implementing irrigation and drinking water projects.

For his myriad contributions to civil engineering, modernization of India, education and social welfare, Sir M.V. Visvesvaraya was honoured with Bharat Ratna in 1955 when he reached the age of 100. His invaluable contribution to the modernization of the nation will be ever remembered.

Born in Muddenahalli, a village in Karnataka, on 15th September 1860, Visvesvaraya completed his education in Bangalore from Wesley Mission High School and Central College, as per a karnataka website.

He did his graduation in civil engineering from Pune. Thereafter, he served as the Chief Engineer of the erstwhile State of Mysore. The famous Krishna Raja Sagar dam, Brindavan gardens, in Mysore is one of these was constructed under his supervision. He earned great reputation for his simplicity, humility, honesty, integrity, ability and intelligence as a civil engineer.

Visvesvaraya believed in simple living and high thinking. He was never interested in name and fame, but they came to him on their own due to his devotion for his work.