“Economic feasibility and social purpose was priority for the Great Engineer”

Mr. Rahul Asthana, Metropolitan Commissioner

Mumbai: “Engineering wizard and recipient of Bharat Ratna Award Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya never took up any project unless he was convinced of its techno-economic feasibility, adequate return on investment and serving a social purpose. We as engineers must learn a lesson or two from his approach”, insisted Mr. Rahul Asthana, Metrpolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, – who himself is an Aeronautical Engineer – as he spoke at a gathering organized by MMRDA engineers today to celebrate Engineers’ Day which marked 150th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna recipient Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya.
Speaking on the occasion Ms. Ashwini Bhide, Additional Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, said, “I am quite pleased with the way MMRDA engineers are showing promise and zeal towards many a challenging project. They now need to continue to work with even more enthusiasm and fervor keeping the growing public expectations in mind”.
The engineers’ gathering was also addressed by Mr.PRK Murthy, Chief, Transport and Communication, MMRDA; Mr. S.M.Sabnis, Chief Engineer, MMRDA; Mr. P.G.Godbole, Chief Engineer, MMRDA and Mr. V.N.Ghanekar, Superintending Engineer, MMRDA, among others. Mr. J.R.Dhane, Executive Engineer, compared the celebrations.
Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya, an eminent Indian engineer (from College Of Engineering, Pune (COEP)) and statesman was born in Muddenahalli-Kanivenarayanapura – present day Karnataka. He served as the Chief Engineer during construction of Krishna Raja Sagara on the Kaveri River near Mysore. Visvesvaraya was instrumental in initiating industrial growth in the State of Mysore. The famous Sandal Oil and Soap factory was his contribution. He influenced setting up of factories in the field of metal, chrome tanning, iron and steel as well. He also built many dams in the Bombay presidency – present day Maharashtra. The dams built by him are functional even today – a testimony to his brilliance, skill, honesty and dedication. September 15th is celebrated as Engineer’s Day every year.