Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, often referred to as Sir M. Visvesvaraya, was a renowned Indian engineer, scholar, and statesman. He was born on September 15, 1861, in Muddenahalli, Kingdom of Mysore (now in Karnataka, India). He is celebrated for his contributions to engineering and public works, particularly in the development of water resources and infrastructure in India.
Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, often referred to as M. Visvesvaraya, was an eminent Indian engineer and statesman. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in 1955 for his outstanding contributions to engineering and public service. Known for his pioneering work in the fields of irrigation, flood management, and infrastructure development, Visvesvaraya played a crucial role in the modernization of India. His notable achievements include the design and construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara dam in Mysore and the implementation of a sophisticated irrigation system in the Deccan region. His legacy continues to inspire engineers and public servants in India and beyond.
M. Visvesvaraya embarked on his engineering journey in 1885 as an assistant engineer in the Public Works Department, Bombay, in British India. His early career took him to the Middle East, where he contributed to various British-held colonies. Later, he served the Hyderabad State.
In 1899, M. Visvesvaraya joined the Indian Irrigation Commission (now the Indian National Committee On Irrigation & Drainage) and implemented an innovative irrigation system in the Deccan Plateau. His patented automatic weir water floodgates revolutionized dam management. He continued to shape India's infrastructure, working on projects such as the Tigra Dam and the Laxmi Talav Dam.
Following his voluntary retirement in 1908, Visvesvaraya briefly worked for Nizam Oman Ali Khan, contributing to the flood protection system for Hyderabad. His ingenious flood protection system for Visakhapatnam port garnered attention. In 1909, M. Visvesvaraya joined Mysore State as Chief Engineer and later chaired the board of engineers for the Tungabhadra Dam in Hospet, Karnataka.
M. Visvesvaraya's tenure as the Dewan of Mysore from 1912 to 1919 was marked by significant contributions to the industrial and educational development of the state. His visionary leadership and engineering acumen led to the establishment of various industries and educational institutions, which laid the foundation for Mysore's growth and modernization. His efforts included the development of infrastructure, promotion of technical education, and introduction of innovative administrative practices.
M. Visvesvaraya's contributions were indeed extensive and diverse. His role in establishing institutions like the State Bank of Mysore, Mysore Soap Factory, Mysore Iron & Steel Works, and Bangalore Polytechnic highlighted his commitment to industrial and educational advancement. The Government Engineering College (now University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering) stands as a testament to his efforts in promoting technical education. Visvesvaraya's expertise wasn't limited to institution-building; he also made significant contributions to infrastructure development. His involvement in railway line construction, road planning, and providing technical advice for various projects underscored his holistic approach to nation-building through engineering and administrative excellence. His dedication to service was remarkable, continuing well into his later years, demonstrating his enduring impact on India's development.
M. Visvesvaraya's contributions were widely recognized during his lifetime. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE) in 1911 by King George V. Later, in 1915, for his outstanding public service as the Dewan of Mysore, he was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE) by King George V. These honors reflected his significant achievements and leadership in both engineering and public administration, making him a respected figure in British India.
M. Visvesvaraya's legacy was further honored after India gained independence. In 1955, he was bestowed with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to engineering, public administration, and nation-building. This award underscored his enduring impact on India's development and his status as a revered figure in the history of modern India. M. Visvesvaraya received several prestigious honors and recognitions for his contributions to engineering and science. He was granted honorary membership by the Institution of Civil Engineers, London, which is a testament to his global recognition in the field of engineering. Additionally, he was elected as a Fellow of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, further highlighting his contributions to scientific research and education in India. His presidency over the Indian Science Congress in 1923 was another significant acknowledgment of his leadership and influence in advancing scientific and technological discourse in India. Visvesvaraya's multifaceted contributions spanned not only engineering and administration but also education and the promotion of scientific temper in the country.
M. Visvesvaraya's legacy continues to inspire generations of engineers and administrators in India and beyond. National Engineer's Day, celebrated on his birthday, September 15th, honors his remarkable contributions to engineering and nation-building. It serves as a fitting tribute to his pioneering spirit, dedication to excellence, and visionary leadership. More importantly, it highlights the pivotal role that engineers play in shaping India's development and progress across various sectors, from infrastructure and industry to technology and innovation. Visvesvaraya's legacy underscores the importance of innovation, expertise, and public service in engineering, serving as a guiding light for future generations of engineers.