Engineer’s Day 2025: India Celebrates Sir M. Visvesvaraya’s Legacy Amid Regular Academic Schedules
New Delhi, September 15, 2025 — Schools, colleges, and technical institutions across India commemorated Engineer’s Day today, honoring the birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, one of the country’s most revered engineers. Celebrated annually on September 15, the day recognizes his monumental contributions to engineering and nation-building, while also highlighting the critical role of engineers in shaping modern India. Despite the significance of the occasion, no nationwide holiday was declared, ensuring regular academic schedules in most regions, except in areas affected by recent floods.
A Tribute to Sir M. Visvesvaraya
Engineer’s Day marks the birth anniversary of Sir M. Visvesvaraya (1861–1962), a Bharat Ratna recipient renowned for his pioneering work in civil engineering, particularly in irrigation, dam construction, and urban planning. His contributions include the design of the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam in Karnataka, which transformed agricultural prospects in the region, and his innovative flood protection system for Hyderabad. Sir Visvesvaraya’s legacy as a visionary engineer and statesman continues to inspire generations, with his emphasis on precision, discipline, and innovation serving as a cornerstone for India’s engineering community.
Educational institutions across the country organized events to celebrate his contributions, focusing on the theme of “Engineering for a Sustainable Future.” The theme aligns with India’s push for sustainable development and technological innovation, as outlined in recent government initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Nationwide Celebrations in Schools and Colleges
Schools and colleges across India marked Engineer’s Day with a range of activities, including seminars, workshops, quizzes, and project exhibitions. In metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, premier institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs) hosted technical symposiums, inviting industry leaders to discuss advancements in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and smart infrastructure.
In Delhi, students at Delhi Technological University (DTU) organized a hackathon titled “Innovate for Tomorrow,” focusing on solutions for urban mobility and waste management. Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) held a lecture series on Sir Visvesvaraya’s contributions to water resource management, emphasizing their relevance in addressing India’s current water scarcity challenges.
Schools, particularly in urban areas, conducted essay competitions, science fairs, and interactive sessions to introduce young students to engineering concepts. In Chennai, a government school in Anna Nagar hosted a “Young Engineers” workshop, where students built simple models of bridges and dams using everyday materials. “Such events spark curiosity and encourage students to consider engineering as a career,” said Priya Sharma, a science teacher at the school.
In rural areas, celebrations were more modest but equally enthusiastic. Schools in districts like Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) and Bhagalpur (Bihar) organized virtual talks by local engineers, focusing on career opportunities in engineering and the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
No Nationwide Holiday: Academic Continuity Maintained
Unlike major national holidays, Engineer’s Day was not declared a public holiday, ensuring that schools and colleges remained operational across most of India. The Ministry of Education issued a circular clarifying that regular academic schedules should continue, except in regions affected by floods or other disruptions. This decision allowed institutions to integrate Engineer’s Day activities into their daily routines, balancing education with celebration.
In flood-hit areas, particularly in parts of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Assam, academic schedules faced disruptions. Schools in Amritsar and Ferozepur (Punjab) remained closed due to ongoing flood relief efforts, while some districts in Jammu division operated on a limited schedule following recent landslides. In these regions, Engineer’s Day events were either postponed or conducted virtually to accommodate safety concerns.
The absence of a nationwide holiday drew mixed reactions on social media platforms like X. Some users praised the decision, arguing that it ensured minimal disruption to the academic calendar. A post on X read, “Good call to keep schools open on Engineer’s Day. Kids can learn about Sir Visvesvaraya while staying on track with studies.” Others, however, felt a holiday would have allowed for grander celebrations, with one user stating, “Engineer’s Day deserves a holiday to inspire the next generation of innovators.”
Industry and Government Engagement
The engineering community also played a significant role in the celebrations. The Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI), the country’s oldest professional body for engineers, organized a national convention in Kolkata, attended by Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan. The minister emphasized the role of engineers in achieving India’s goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2030. “Engineers are the backbone of our nation’s progress, from building smart cities to advancing green technologies,” he said.
Private companies, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), partnered with educational institutions to host webinars and mentorship programs. TCS launched an “Engineer the Future” initiative, offering virtual internships to 1,000 engineering students across India, while L&T conducted workshops on sustainable construction practices in Hyderabad and Mumbai.
State governments also joined the celebrations. In Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a ₹50 crore fund to support engineering research at state universities, citing Sir Visvesvaraya’s legacy as an inspiration. In Uttar Pradesh, the government organized a statewide “Engineering Excellence Awards” ceremony to honor young innovators and veteran engineers.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Engineer’s Day highlighted the achievements of India’s engineering community, it also brought attention to challenges facing the sector. Industry experts pointed to the need for greater investment in STEM education, particularly in rural areas, where access to quality resources remains limited. “We need to bridge the gap between urban and rural education to create a truly inclusive engineering ecosystem,” said Dr. Anil Kumar, a professor at IIT Kanpur.
Additionally, the gender gap in engineering was a key discussion point. Women constitute only about 14% of India’s engineering workforce, according to a 2024 NASSCOM report. Events in cities like Pune and Hyderabad included sessions on encouraging more women to pursue engineering, with role models like Tessy Thomas, the “Missile Woman of India,” addressing students virtually.
Looking Ahead
Engineer’s Day 2025 underscored India’s commitment to fostering innovation and technical excellence, even as it navigated challenges like regional disruptions and economic pressures. The focus on sustainability and inclusivity reflected the evolving role of engineers in addressing global challenges like climate change and urbanization.
As the nation honors Sir M. Visvesvaraya’s legacy, the celebrations serve as a reminder of the transformative power of engineering. Students, educators, and professionals alike expressed optimism about the future, with many calling for continued efforts to make engineering education accessible and relevant to all.
For more information on Engineer’s Day events or to participate in ongoing programs, contact local educational institutions or visit the Institution of Engineers (India) website.
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