Who was Sir M Visvesvaraya?

March 28, 2023

Sir M Visvesvaraya was an Indian civil engineer, administrator, and statesman. Born on September 15, 1861, in Muddenahalli village in the erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore, Sir M Visvesvaraya played a pivotal role in the development of the state of Mysore and India as a whole. His contributions to the fields of engineering, education, and public service have made him a revered figure in Indian history.

Diwan of Mysore

Sir M Visvesvaraya served as the 19th Diwan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918. During his tenure, he implemented various reforms that led to the overall development of the state. He introduced a system of revenue collection that ensured fairness and transparency, built numerous schools and colleges, and established a public works department that oversaw the construction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.

Engineers’ Day

In honor of Sir M Visvesvaraya’s contributions to the field of engineering, Engineers’ Day is celebrated in India, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania on his birthday, September 15. The day is a tribute to his legacy as a civil engineer and an inspiration to aspiring engineers.

Maker of Modern Mysore

Sir M Visvesvaraya is widely regarded as one of the foremost civil engineers in India and the maker of modern Mysore. He designed and constructed various dams in the country, including the Krishna Raja Sagara dam near Mandya, which is still operational today. He was also responsible for founding numerous institutions, including the Mysore Soap Factory, Parasitoid Laboratory, Mysore Iron & Steel Works in Bhadravathi, Bangalore Polytechnic, Bangalore Agricultural University, State Bank of Mysore, among various other institutions.

Bharat Ratna

In recognition of his services to the Kingdom of Mysore and the Republic of India, Sir M Visvesvaraya was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1955. The award is a testament to his contributions to the country’s development and his status as a national hero.

Tribute from Prime Minister Modi

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Sir M Visvesvaraya at his birthplace, Muddenahalli in Chikkaballapura district in Karnataka. He also visited the museum dedicated to him, which houses various artifacts related to his life and work.

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