Few Facts about Engineers’ Day in India

 The World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) has selected 4 March as 'World Engineering Day for a Sustainable World’. But Engineers’ Day is observed in several countries on various dates of the year e.g. in India on 15 September, Engineers’ Day is celebrated  as Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, popularly known as Sir MV an Indian civil engineer was born on  15 September 1860 in Muddenahalli village in Karnataka. His contribution to the field of engineering in India is huge. His work was applauded with several accolades, the most eminent being the Bharat Ratna. It is pertinent to mention that his birthday on 15 September is celebrated as Engineers' Day not only in India but also in Sri Lanka and Tanzania in his memory (wikipedia.org/wiki/M._Visvesvaraya).     He was the Chief Engineer of Krishna Raja Sagara dam in the north-west suburb of Mysore city, Laxmi Talav dam in the south-west Maharashtra Radhanagari Kolhapur and also served as one of the Chief Engineers of the flood protection system for the city of Hyderabad. In 1912, he was appointed as Diwan (second minister) of Mysore and served for seven years.  With support from Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, Maharaja of Mysore, Sir M. Visvesvaraya contributed to the development of Mysore. He was instrumental in the founding of Government Engineering College at Bangalore in 1917; this one later on was later named University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering. He commissioned several new railway lines in Mysore state also. He was instrumental in developing a system to protect Visakhapatnam port from sea erosion. This dam created the biggest reservoir in Asia when it was built. Sir Visvesvaraya provided technical advice for the location of Mokama Bridge over Ganga in Bihar when he was 90 years old.  

On occasion of Engineers’ day my salute to all the engineers as because of them we are leading a decent life. There are many instances about the engineers’ contribution in each and every society. A few I wish to mention - today’s multi storeyed buildings, bridges - flyover or on the rivers are few examples among the plethora of the engineers’ creations. 

The contribution of engineers is found in the Hindu mythology as lord Vishwakarma is considered as the God of Architect and Construction. Many perform Vishwakarma puja with great zeal normally this is held before Dasserra. On this day (Vishwakarma puja), the workers take a break from work and the machines are worshipped. Vishwakarma puja is the symbol for all the workers and craftsmen to increase their productivity (apnisanskriti.com/vrat-katha/significance-of-vishwakarma-puja).      

On the occasion of Sir Visvesvaraya's birthday, I offer my great salute to him. Also my salute to all the engineers because of them we are leading luxurious lives. During summer days and scorching heat we are enjoying cool weather as electric fans, air condition​s​ etc. are beating the heat. Similarly during extreme winter, room heaters etc., give us huge comfort.​ In other words,  I wish to mention here engineers' have controlled the season also. ​

Sir M. Visvesvaraya left for heavenly abode on 14 April 1962 (survived about 102 years) but his contribution in India and abroad will be remembered by all generations after generations.

 Dr Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad

Dt 15 September 2021​