National Engineers’ Day 2025 – A Tribute to Sir MV

By R Anil Kumar  

• Our nation is blessed to have a skilled and talented pool of engineers who are contributing to nation building: PM Narendra Modi.

• Prime Minister pays tribute to Sir M. Visvesvaraya on Engineers’ Day

On the occasion of Engineers’ Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt homage to Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya, whose pioneering contributions laid the foundation for India’s modern engineering landscape.

In a message on X today, the Prime Minister said:

“Today, on Engineers’ Day, I pay homage to Sir M. Visvesvaraya, whose brilliance left an indelible mark on India’s engineering landscape. I extend warm greetings to all engineers who, through their creativity and determination, continue to drive innovation and tackle tough challenges across sectors. Our engineers will continue playing a crucial role in the collective efforts to build a Viksit Bharat.”

Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was a civil engineer, statesman and the 19th Diwan of Mysore.

He was responsible for significant engineering projects in India, including the Krishna Raja Sagara dam in Mandya, which helped convert nearby wasteland into fertile land and became the primary source of drinking water for many neighbouring cities.

The dam itself continues to draw thousands of visitors every year.

Beyond his astonishing achievements in engineering, Sir M. Visvesvaraya is credited for his extraordinary work in accelerating industrialisation and education in India.

He was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE) in recognition of his achievements and contribution to Indian society.

Bengaluru. National Engineers’ Day is celebrated every year on September 15 to honour the birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, one of India’s greatest engineers.

Renowned for his pioneering contributions to engineering, he transformed the country’s infrastructure through innovative designs, visionary planning, and practical solutions that combined technical excellence with social impact. Beyond his work as an economist, statesman, and writer, it is his extraordinary achievements as an engineer that continue to inspire generations, setting a benchmark for problem-solving, innovation, and nation-building.

Sir M. Visvesvaraya (1861-1962), India’s pioneering engineer, statesman, and Bharat Ratna awardee, contributed to irrigation, water management, and infrastructure. Known as the Father of Modern Mysore, he revolutionized Indian engineering and administration.

Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1861-1962), widely known as Sir M Visvesvaraya, was a distinguished and India’s pioneer civil engineer, statesman, and scholar. He held the position of Dewan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918, and for his outstanding contribution, he is known as the Father of Modern Mysore.

Sir M. Visvesvaraya is known for various outstanding works in engineering and administration, including block systems of irrigation, automated flood gates, and a strategy on economic planning called the Visvesvaraya Plan, to name a few. Engineer’s Day is celebrated in India in his honour.

Early Life of Sir M Visvesvaraya

Sir M. Visvesvaraya was born in Muddenahalli village in Karnataka.His ancestors were from Mokshagundam, a village in present-day Andhra Pradesh, and had migrated there years before Visvesvaraya’s birth.

He completed his B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) from the University of Madras.Later, he completed civil engineering from the College of Science in Pune.

Sir M Visvesvaraya Career

Sir M. Visvesvaraya initially commenced his career with the Government of British India, serving in the Bombay Presidency and other British-administered territories in the Middle East. Later, he took up positions in Hyderabad State.

Even after his voluntary retirement in 1918, he undertook both administrative and statesmanship roles while also maintaining his involvement in engineering projects in the Kingdom of Mysore.

Key Contributions of Sir M Visvesvaraya

The contributions of Sir M. Visvesvaraya continue to influence India’s engineering and infrastructure landscape, making him a revered figure in the field.

Block Irrigation System (1899): He introduced the block system of irrigation in India (Deccan Canals) in 1899, intended to provide the benefits of irrigation over a large number of villages and populations in each village within blocks.

Sukkur Water Solution: He solved the problem of “muddy and discoloured” water in Sukkur, located on the banks of the Indus.

Automatic Water Floodgates (1903): He invented the system of patented Automatic Water Floodgates, initially deployed at the Khadakwasla reservoir in Pune in 1903.

Founder of Bengaluru Engineering College (1917): In 1917, he founded the Government Engineering College in Bengaluru, a prestigious institution later renamed as University of Visvesvaraya College of Engineering in his honour.

Economic Planning Advocate (Visvesvaraya Plan): He is widely recognized as an early advocate and practitioner of Economic Planning in India, called the Visvesvaraya Plan, which he presented in a book titled “Planned Economy in India”.

Sir M Visvesvaraya Contribution to Engineering

Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya had a distinguished career in engineering, marked by his innovative contributions to irrigation, water management, and flood protection systems. His expertise and successful projects, both in India and abroad, earned him a reputation as one of the foremost engineers of his time.

Early Career and Public Works:

Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya began his career as an assistant engineer in the Public Works Department, Bombay, in 1885.

Indian Irrigation Commission: In 1899, M. Visvesvaraya joined the Indian Irrigation Commission and introduced advanced irrigation techniques.

Innovative Contributions to Water Management: He designed patented automatic weir water floodgates and implemented an irrigation system in the Deccan Plateau, contributing to water management across India.

International Projects: Visvesvaraya worked on water supply and drainage systems in the British Colony of Aden (now Yemen) and later focused on flood protection systems for Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.

Chief Engineer of Mysore State: Appointed in 1909, he managed key projects, including the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam, shaping the infrastructure of Mysore State.

Life and Legacy of Sir M. Visvesvaraya

From humble beginnings, Sir M. Visvesvaraya rose to serve as the Diwan of Mysore and the President of the All-India Manufacturers’ Organisation.

Awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1955, his visionary ideas continue to guide economic planners. His life remains an enduring inspiration, cementing his place as a monumental figure in India’s history.

Notable Contributions of Sir M. Visvesvaraya

• Innovative Flood Management Systems:After the 1908 Musi River floods, Sir M.Visvesvarayadesigned reservoirs like Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar and proposed systematic flood control solutions. He also implemented measures to protect Visakhapatnam port from sea erosion, thereby enhancing urban resilience.Today, his reservoir-based flood management principles continue to guide modern water and disaster management projects.
• Pioneering Dam Construction and Irrigation:

As Chief Engineer of Mysore,Sir M. Visvesvaraya built the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Damin 1932, creating Asia’s largest reservoir and transforming Mandya agriculture. His automatic sluice gates improved water regulation at multiple dams, and he advanced irrigation and hydroelectric projects. These innovations continue to influence modern dam design and water management.

• Influential Literary Works:

Sir M. Visvesvaraya’s writings have had a lasting impact on India’s development. Planned Economy for India promoted industrialization and infrastructure, Reconstructing India emphasized education and governance, and Memoirs of My Working Life chronicled his engineering achievements. These works continue to guide modern economic and engineering strategies.

Sir M Visvesvaraya Contribution to Administration

Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya made significant contributions in administration during his tenure as the Dewan of Mysore, focusing on industrial and infrastructural development.

Dewan of Mysore (1912-1918): Visvesvaraya served as the Dewan of Mysore, where he played a pivotal role in fostering industrial growth and infrastructure.

Industrial Ventures and Institutions: He established key institutions like the Mysore Soap Factory, Bangalore Polytechnic, and the State Bank of Mysore, driving industrial progress.

Promotion of Private Investment and Technical Guidance: Visvesvaraya encouraged private investment and provided technical expertise for infrastructure projects in the region.

Later Contributions to Infrastructure: Even in his later years, he advised on significant projects, including the location of the Mokama Bridge over the Ganga River.

Sir M Visvesvaraya Awards and Honours

The following are the awards with which Sir M. Visvesvaraya has been honoured:

Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE): Sir M. Visvesvaraya was appointed in 1911 as a CIE by King Edward VII.

Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE): In 1915, he was conferred the title of KCIE for his contributions to the public good.

Bharat Ratna: In 1955, the Government of India honoured him with the highest civilian honour i.e., Bharat Ratna for his numerous industrial, economic and social projects.

Honorary Memberships and Fellowships: He received an honorary membership from the Institution of Civil Engineers, London, a fellowship from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and several honorary degrees, including D.Sc., LL.D., and D.Litt., from eight universities in India.

President of Indian Science Congress: He presided over the Indian Science Congress in 1923.

Engineer’s Day: The Engineer’s Day is celebrated in India on September 15 every year to honour the contributions of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, which is his birth anniversary.

As India embarks on its Techade, a decade of rapid technological innovation andtransformative growth, the role of engineers becomes increasingly vital. The growing number of skilled engineering graduates reflects the success of government initiatives in promoting education, research, and innovation, enabling India to take a leading position in the global technological landscape.

These efforts are key to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, where India becomes a developed, technologically advanced, and self-reliant nation.

Role of Engineers in Nation-Building

Engineers are the driving force behind India’s transformation, shaping the nation’s critical infrastructure and leading knowledge-driven innovation. From constructing vital dams, roads, and buildings to advancing digital transformation, they play a crucial role in building a modern nation.

Infrastructure Development

Engineers, as architects of modern India, design and build critical infrastructure, including highways, expressways, metro rail networks, bridges, ports, and power generation systems.The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways highlights that projects like BharatmalaPariyojana, Sagarmala, PM Gati Shakti, and the Smart Cities Mission are transforming connectivity and logistics, with engineers driving their execution and innovation. Inspired by pioneers like Sir M. Visvesvaraya, today’s engineers continue his legacy of building a progressive nation.

Strategic Sectors

India’s advancements in defence manufacturing, nuclear power, and space exploration are driven by engineering excellence.

Engineers at the Department of Space are pioneering AI and robotics for launch vehicle health monitoring, satellite data analysis, and interplanetary missions, while those in the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) develop technologies that bolster India’s strategic capabilities.

Digital Transformation

Under the Digital India initiative, engineers have developed platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker. By leveraging software engineering, cybersecurity, and data analytics, they have established India as a global leader in digital infrastructure and deep-tech innovation.

Government Initiatives Driving Engineering Excellence and Innovation

The Government of India is dedicated to promoting engineering excellence, research, and innovation through a robust ecosystem that nurtures talent and drives transformative growth.

Skill India Digital Hub

The Skill India Digital Hub government initiative, as India moves toward Viksit Bharat 2047, seeks to equip engineers with practical, industry-ready skills, preparing them for the challenges of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across India through initiatives like Atal Incubation Centres (AICs), fostering a robust startup ecosystem for students and engineers.

As of 18 December 2024, 3,556 startups have been incubated across 72 AICs, generating 41,965 jobs.

Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE)

The INSPIRE scheme plays a pivotal role in motivating youth to pursue research in cutting-edge science and technology. For engineers, it offers pathways to advanced R&D in applied sciences, clean energy, semiconductors, space technology, and healthcare innovations, thereby nurturing a robust pipeline of future engineers

Startup India

The Startup India initiative aims to nurture innovation and catalyze the growth of startups across the country. For engineers, it provides avenues to transform technological ideas into scalable enterprises in fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, clean energy, Space technology, and digital platforms.

The initiative’s impact is evident in the rise of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)recognized startups from around 500 in 2016 to 1,59,157 as of 15 January 2025.

MERITE Scheme (Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education Scheme)

Under the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP-2020), the government has allocated Rs. 4,200 crore(for a period from 2025-26 to 2029-30) for the MERITE scheme to transform technical education and align it with the policy’s vision for skill development and innovation. The scheme will be implemented in 275 technical institutions, including 175 engineering colleges and 100 polytechnics.

For engineers, MERITE provides modern labs, updated curricula, and multidisciplinary learning, preparing them to innovate in areas such as clean energy, AI, and advanced manufacturing, while strengthening India’s technological leadership.

Premier Institutes Driving Engineering Excellence

The Indian government has strengthened the engineering ecosystem through premier institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), providing a strong foundation for education and research. Complementing this, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) initiatives, like the Research Promotion Scheme (RPS), equip engineers with modern tools and foster a research-driven environment, promoting innovation in both established and emerging technologies.

Deep-Tech Innovations

The National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), implemented by the Department of Science and Technology, is a flagship government initiative promoting research, development, and innovation in deep technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, and FinTech.

With 25 Technology Innovation Hubs established across premier institutions, the mission provides engineers with advanced skills, fosters entrepreneurship, and drives commercialization of technologies.

The mission has achieved significant milestones, including the commercialization of 389 technologies/products, the generation of over 2,700 publications and intellectual property outputs, thereby strengthening India’s ecosystem for cutting-edge, indigenous deep-tech innovation.

Green Tech Innovations

India is rapidly advancing in renewable energy and green technologies, providing engineers with opportunities to drive innovation. Under initiatives like PM Surya Ghar, PM-KUSUM, Solar Parks, and the National Green Hydrogen Mission, engineers are designing and implementingsolar rooftop systems, large-scale solar parks, bioenergy, and green hydrogen projects. India now ranks 3rd globally in solar capacity and 4th in wind capacity, with renewable energycomprising 50% of total installed power. Engineers are contributing to domestic manufacturing of solar PV cells, energy storage solutions, and pilot projects in agrivoltaics, floating solar, and hydrogen hubs, strengtheningIndia’s clean energy ecosystem.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established under the ANRF Act, 2023, provides strategic direction for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across natural sciences (including mathematical sciences), engineering, technology, environment, health, agriculture, and S&T interfaces of humanities and social sciences.

Its programmes promote industry–academia collaboration and mission-driven research with private sector participation. Under the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA)-EV, industry/PSU/start-up participation is mandatory with 10% cost sharing. The Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, with Rs. 1 lakh crore, offers long-term low-interest financing, while the Advanced Research Grant (ARG) programme supports AI tool development in physics, chemistry, and biology.

India’s Engineering Leadership and Global Impact

India’s engineering progress has achieved global recognition, driving technological leadership in fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor design, and quantum computing.

These advancements are reflected in India’s steadily rising position in the Global Innovation Index, underscoring its dynamic and progressive engineering ecosystem.

Conclusion

As India celebrates National Engineers’ Day 2025, it is evident that engineers are not only the torchbearers of the nation’s technological progress but also the architects of its future. From infrastructural advancements to deep-tech, their contributions continue to shape India’s Techade. Supported by sustained government initiatives and a vibrant ecosystem of research and innovation, India’s engineers are poised to drive the nation toward Viksit Bharat 2047, ensuring progress that is inclusive, sustainable, and transformative.