Down the memory lanes a quick look, would remind the 40+ aged eduactes that engineers in our early days where infrastructure builders or designers. Later as the segment got popular with the advent of numerous engineering colleges mushrooming the states, many more disciplines got the status. And today is celebrated as the 'Engineer Day' a day to denote the importance of this profession. This is in remembrance of a doyen who pioneered in vision for infrastructure development. And he is none other than Sir 'Mokshagundam Vishveshwarya.' He was basically hailing from the state of Mysore now known as the State of Karnataka. He had pioneered in modern India's infrastructure development.
Sir 'Mokshagundam Vishveshwarya,' born to Telugu parents, was the Diwan of Mysore and ruled the community (of Engineers) with his towering vision. He was knighted as a Commander of the British Indian Empire by King George V for his myriad contributions to the public good. To this day studying in the Vishveshwarya Technical University in Belgaum is a prestige for many aspiring civil engineers.
When ever I think of 'Sir', I remember a story retold by my lecturer in my first year about this towering visionary. It seems a developed nation came up to 'Sir' and asked him to design an infrastructure project for their country. 'Sir' put forth a condition that the project must have 'made in India' inscribed on it. However ego came in the way and the country refused to oblige. 'Sir' who realized how much that project would benefit mankind gave a second thought and obliged to move ahead unconditionally. But as the project came to an end, an aerial view of the project looked like the words, 'INDIA.' Well I know not where this is, as we never questioned our gurus those days. But it just spoke of the witty and social attitude of the 'Sir.' he neither wanted to deprive service to man kind nor had he wanted to compromise on his principles. He balanced both all through his cherished life which is text book to all of us.
Sir, you are the real Bharat Ratna and the Kohinoor of Engineers. Wishesh salutes this great man on this day once again. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
