Wishing All Engineers a Happy Engineer's Day!
Reflecting on My Engineering Education and the Lifelong Value of Analytical Skills.
Wishing All Engineers a Happy Engineer's Day!
As we gather to celebrate Engineer's Day, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all the brilliant minds shaping the world through innovation, logic, and technical expertise. It is an occasion to remember and honour the contributions of engineers, especially Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, whose visionary work laid the foundation for India's modern infrastructure.
My Degree in Engineering
Though I spent nearly 37 years in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) until my superannuation in July 2021, I remain an engineer at heart. My journey through Thapar College of Engineering, Patiala— then affiliated with Punjabi University— where I completed my degree in Electronics and Electrical Communication, profoundly shaped my thinking and approach to challenges. Those four years, under the guidance of dedicated professors, are still vivid in my memory. I particularly recall the year 1983-84, a period of intense learning and growth, as I was simultaneously preparing for the Civil Services Examination while also teaching engineering to some of the final-year students, who were close friends. This dual role of student and mentor was an enriching experience that left a lasting impact on me.
The Engineer in Me Lives On
While my later educational pursuits, including a Master’s in Economics from the University of Manchester, provided new perspectives, the analytical skills honed during my engineering days have been the foundation of my professional life as a civil servant. Problem-solving, critical thinking, and an eye for precision—qualities instilled through my engineering education—have been invaluable in my years of public service. The ability to break down complex issues, assess solutions systematically, and implement them efficiently is an engineer's hallmark, and it remained my guiding principle even in the administrative corridors of governance.
Honouring the Legacy of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya
On this day, it is fitting that we honour one of India’s greatest engineers—Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, whose life and achievements have left an indelible mark on the country’s development. Born on 15th September 1861 in Muddenahalli, Karnataka, Sir Visvesvaraya’s contributions to engineering and public administration are a source of inspiration not only for engineers but also for policymakers and nation-builders.
Sir Visvesvaraya’s illustrious career began after he completed his engineering studies from the College of Engineering, Pune. His work spanned across various fields, including irrigation, water supply, and civil engineering. However, it was his visionary projects that earned him recognition as a pioneering figure in modern Indian infrastructure. Some of his most notable engineering feats include:
Automatic Floodgates at Khadakwasla Reservoir: Sir Visvesvaraya designed and implemented automatic floodgates for the Khadakwasla Reservoir near Pune in 1903. This innovation significantly improved water management and flood control.
Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam: One of his most significant contributions was the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam across the Cauvery River in Mandya, Karnataka. At the time of its construction, it was among the largest dams in Asia and revolutionised irrigation in the region, transforming the arid lands of Mandya and Mysore into fertile agricultural zones.
Flood Protection System for Hyderabad: After the devastating floods of 1908 in Hyderabad, Sir Visvesvaraya designed a flood protection system that saved countless lives and laid the foundation for modern flood control measures in the region.
Industrial Development in Mysore: As the Diwan of Mysore (1912–1918), Sir Visvesvaraya was instrumental in the state's industrialisation. His foresight led to the establishment of numerous industries, educational institutions, and public works projects, turning Mysore into one of the most progressive states in India.
The Visionary Diwan: Statesmanship and Nation-Building
Apart from his engineering feats, Sir Visvesvaraya’s contributions as the Diwan of Mysore are equally noteworthy. During his tenure, he introduced a number of reforms that laid the foundation for modern statecraft and economic planning. He promoted industrialisation, introduced educational reforms, and worked tirelessly to modernise the infrastructure of Mysore.
Under his leadership, the state of Mysore saw remarkable progress in irrigation, education, and industry. He founded the Mysore Soap Factory, the Bangalore Agricultural University, and several other institutions that continue to play vital roles in the development of the region today. His belief in using engineering and science for the public good was evident in every project he undertook.
In recognition of his contributions to both engineering and public administration, Sir Visvesvaraya was knighted by the British Empire in 1915 and later awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1955, India’s highest civilian honour. His life remains a shining example of how engineers can also serve as statesmen, guiding the nation toward progress and development.
The Importance of Engineer's Day in India
Engineer’s Day, celebrated on Sir Visvesvaraya’s birth anniversary, has been observed in India since 1968. It serves as a reminder of the critical role engineers play in nation-building. The day is marked by various events, such as seminars, workshops, and competitions, aimed at inspiring young engineers to push the boundaries of innovation and technology.
Every year, a new theme is chosen to highlight pressing challenges and opportunities for engineers. For example, the theme for Engineer’s Day in 2023 was "Engineering for a Sustainable Future," reflecting the profession's pivotal role in addressing global issues such as climate change, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability.
This day is not just a celebration of the profession but also a call to action for engineers to take up the responsibility of shaping a better future. Engineers are at the forefront of solving the world's most complex challenges, from developing cutting-edge technology to ensuring equitable access to basic infrastructure.
Engineers: The Architects of a Better Future
As we celebrate Engineer’s Day, I encourage all engineers to continue striving for excellence, driven by the same sense of purpose that defined Sir Visvesvaraya's career. The world today faces unprecedented challenges, from climate change and urbanisation to technological disruptions, and it is the engineer’s analytical mindset and problem-solving skills that will be critical in navigating these complexities.
Engineers, with their unique ability to turn ideas into reality, have the power to shape the future. I urge young engineers, in particular, to remain curious, innovative, and committed to serving society with their skills. The path ahead may be challenging, but it is filled with opportunities to make a lasting impact.
A Message to Aspiring Engineers and Civil Servants
To those pursuing engineering and considering public service, I say this: never underestimate the value of your technical education. The analytical and problem-solving skills you develop as an engineer are not confined to the field of engineering; they can be applied to every domain, including public administration.
In my own career in the IAS, I found that the logical, methodical approach instilled in me during my engineering education helped me immensely in solving complex administrative issues. Whether it was policy formulation, project management, or crisis resolution, the skills I learned as an engineer guided my approach.
As we commemorate this special day, let us celebrate not just the achievements of the past but also the possibilities of the future. The world needs engineers who can think critically, innovate boldly, and lead responsibly. Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable world.
Once again, Happy Engineer’s Day to all! May the legacy of Sir M. Visvesvaraya continue to inspire us all to strive for excellence in every endeavour1.
…..🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 to an Engineer in your goodself……!!