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Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya-The Man Behind Engineer's Day
Many of us know about Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, often referred to as Sir M. Visvesvaraya. He was an eminent Indian engineer who made significant contributions to India's infrastructure and industrial development during the early 20th century. Born on September 15, 1861, M. Visvesvaraya was a visionary who was way ahead of his time.
In this article, we will give you a glimpse of the life of M. Visvesvaraya - the pioneer of engineering in India.
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Who was Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya: Early Life
Visvesvaraya was born into a Telugu-speaking family in the village of Muddenahalli in the state of Karnataka, which was then part of the princely state of Mysore. His father, Srinivasa Sastry, was a Sanskrit scholar, and his mother, Venkatalakshmamma, was a homemaker.
Visvesvaraya completed his primary education in Chickballapur and Bangalore. He later pursued a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Central College in Bangalore. After completing his BA, Visvesvaraya went on to study engineering at the College of Engineering in Pune (now known as the Government College of Engineering, Pune). He graduated as a civil engineer in 1884.
Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya: Career and Contributions
After completing his education, Visvesvaraya began his career as an assistant engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD) of Bombay. During this period, he worked on various infrastructure projects, including the construction of water supply systems.
Industrial Development
Visvesvaraya played a pivotal role in promoting industrialization in India. He advocated for the establishment of industrial and technical education institutions and formulated plans for economic development.
Work in Mysore
In 1909, Visvesvaraya joined the government of the princely state of Mysore (now Karnataka) as the Diwan (chief administrator). He initiated numerous projects that transformed Mysore's infrastructure, such as the construction of dams, irrigation systems, and the establishment of industries.
Visvesvaraya - a man of integrity: When Visvesvaraya was offered the position of Dewan of Mysore, he summoned all his relatives and took word from each one of them that they will not ask for any favour from him if he becomes the Dewan. Only after all of them agreed, he accepted the position.
Krishna Raja Sagar Dam and the Invention of the Block System in Irrigation
One of his most significant contributions was the design and construction of the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam on the Cauvery River, which not only provided irrigation water in the Andhra region but also generated hydroelectric power. In addition to his work on large dams and irrigation projects, Visvesvaraya invented the 'automatic sluice gates' and the 'block system' to improve water management in irrigation. These innovations helped in reducing wastage and improving agricultural productivity.
Honors and Recognition
He received numerous honors and awards during his lifetime, including being knighted by the British government in 1915. In 1955, India honored him with the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award. On September 15, 1960, at his 100th birthday, Vivesvaraya was presented with an album of commemorative stamps that had been issued in his honor. This was a rare occasion as it was only the second time that a living personality was so honored.
Lesser Known Facts
- Adept in Multiple Languages: While Visvesvaraya is celebrated for his engineering and administrative skills, he was also proficient in multiple languages. He was well-versed in Kannada, English, Marathi, and Telugu, which facilitated his communication and interactions during his diverse career.
- Advisor to Other States: Although he is most closely associated with the state of Mysore (now Karnataka), Visvesvaraya's expertise was sought by other states and countries. He served as an advisor on engineering and economic matters to the government of Hyderabad (now in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh) and also played a role in planning for flood control and irrigation in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
- Contribution to the Industrialization of Bhadravati: Visvesvaraya played a crucial role in the development of the town of Bhadravati in Karnataka. He was instrumental in setting up the Bhadravati Iron and Steel Works, which played a significant role in India's industrialization. The town's development as an industrial hub was one of his lesser-known but impactful contributions.
- Author and Scholar: Apart from his engineering and administrative achievements, Visvesvaraya was a prolific writer and scholar. He wrote several books and papers on engineering, economic development, and public policy. His writings often contained insightful ideas and recommendations for the progress of India.
Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya passed away on April 14, 1962, leaving behind a legacy of engineering excellence and a vision for India's progress and development. His birthday, September 15, is celebrated as Engineer's Day in India to honor his contributions to the field of engineering and nation-building. His life continues to inspire passionate engineers who dream of changing the world for the better.
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