Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya(popularly known as Sir MV; 15 September 1860 – 14 April 1962), FATHER OF ENGINEERS, was an Indian engineer, scholar, statesman and the Diwan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918. He is a recipient of the Indian Republic's highest honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 1955. He was knighted as a Knight Commander of the British Indian Empire (KCIE) by King George V for his contributions to the public good.

The birth anniversary of Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya is celebrated as Engineer's Day on September 15 every year. Called the builder of India, Visvesvaraya was born in 1860 in a small village to a poor Telugu family in Muddenahalli, near present-day Bengaluru. In fact, September 15 is not only celebrated as Engineer’s Day in India but also in Sri Lanka and Tanzania in his memory. He is held in high regard as a pre-eminent engineer of India.

He is credited with the development of the Block System which would prevent the wasteful flow of water in dams such that the automated doors could close in the conditions of overflow.Sir MV was famous for his timeliness, intricate ideas, dedication and also played an important role in promoting the Kannada language.

Here are some ineteresting facts about the pioneer:

• Krishna Raja Sagara Lake

He is best remembered for the instrumental role he played in the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara Lake and dam in 1924. This dam not only became the main source of water for irrigation for the nearby areas, but was also the main source of drinking water for several cities.

• Government of India sent him to Aden to study water supply

His work was becoming so popular that the Government of India sent him to Aden to study water supply and drainage system in 1906-07. He did so and designed a project based on his study which was implemented in Aden.

• He was appointed as the Chief Engineer of Mysore State in 1909

He was appointed as the Chief Engineer of Mysore State in 1909 and as the Diwan of the princely state of Mysore in 1912, a position he held for seven years. As the Diwan, he made immense contribution towards the overall development of the state.

• He was awarded The Bharat Ratna in 1955

He was awarded with independent India’s greatest honor, The Bharat Ratna in 1955 for his relentless work in the fields of engineering and education. He is the recipient of several honorary doctoral degrees from eight universities in India. WE OFFER HIM OUR HUMBLE PRANAM ON ENGINERS DAY ie HIS BIRTHDAY. WISHING YOU HAPPY ENGINEER'S DAY..

• Visvesvaraya was the Commander

Visvesvaraya was knighted as the Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE) by the British for his contributions to the society in 1915. Visvesvaraya was a man of principles and values. He was a very honest person who gave his best towards his profession and country. He valued cleanliness and was impeccably dressed even when he was well into his 90s.