Saturday, July 27, 2019
Biography of M. Visvesvaraya:
Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, commonly known as M. Visvesvaraya, was an Indian engineer, statesman, and scholar who played a key role in the development of modern India. Born on September 15, 1860, in Muddenahalli, a small village in present-day Karnataka, Visvesvaraya made significant contributions to engineering, education, and public administration.
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| Biography of M Visvesvaraya |
Here is a brief biography of M. Visvesvaraya:
M Visvesvaraya's Early Life and Education:
M. Visvesvaraya was born into a Telugu Brahmin family. His early education took place in Chikkaballapur and Bangalore. He later pursued a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from the University of Madras and then went on to study civil engineering at the College of Science in Pune.
Career in Engineering:
After completing his engineering studies, Visvesvaraya started his career in the Public Works Department (PWD) of Bombay (now Mumbai) and later worked in Nasik. His exceptional engineering skills and innovative solutions to various technical challenges earned him recognition.
Visvesvaraya's career continued to prosper, and he took on significant engineering projects. One of his notable achievements was the design and construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara dam in Mysore (now Karnataka). Completed in 1931, the dam contributed to the irrigation needs of the region.
M Visvesvaraya's Contributions to Engineering:
M. Visvesvaraya was known for his innovative approach to engineering problems. He introduced the Block System for water irrigation, which significantly increased efficiency. His expertise was sought for various projects across India, and he was appointed as the chief engineer of Mysore State in 1909.
In addition to dams, Visvesvaraya played a key role in the development of the flood protection system in Hyderabad, the water supply and drainage system in Aden, and the design of the flood protection system for the city of Pune.
Public Service and Administration:
Visvesvaraya's contributions extended beyond engineering to public service and administration. He served as the Diwan (Chief Minister) of the princely state of Mysore from 1912 to 1918. During his tenure, he implemented several reforms in education, industrialization, and public works.
Knighted and Awards to M Visvesvaraya:
For his significant contributions, M. Visvesvaraya was knighted by the British Crown in 1915, and he became Sir M. Visvesvaraya. After India gained independence, he received the nation's highest honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1955.
Educational Contributions:
Visvesvaraya emphasized the importance of education and engineering. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Government Engineering College in Bangalore, which was later named the University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE) in his honor.
Later Life of M Visvesvaraya:
Even in his later years, Visvesvaraya remained active in public life. He served as a member of the governing council of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and continued to contribute to various advisory bodies.
Sir M. Visvesvaraya passed away on April 12, 1962, at the age of 101. His legacy continues to inspire generations, and Engineers' Day in India, celebrated on his birthday, September 15, is a tribute to his contributions to the field of engineering and nation-building.