India Marks Engineers’ Day with Tributes, Awards and Innovation-Driven Events

New Delhi – As India observes Engineers’ Day on September 15, institutions across the country have organised a variety of events to honour the legacy of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya and to spotlight engineers and innovators whose work is shaping the nation’s future. From large public ceremonies to student projects, the day has become a platform to recognise achievements, inspire youth, and foster technological advancement.

Honouring Sir M. Visvesvaraya’s Lasting Inspiration

Engineers’ Day is celebrated annually on September 15 in remembrance of the birth anniversary of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, a visionary civil engineer whose contributions to irrigation, infrastructure planning, and institution building left an indelible mark on India. His belief in the power of engineering as a tool for social good continues to motivate students, academia and government bodies alike.

Special Events Across States

• Madhya Pradesh: In Bhopal, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the formation of an Engineers’ Research and Training Institute aimed at upgrading skill sets of engineers in modern technologies and contemporary engineering methods. Two new digital platforms for the Public Works Department—the Public Works Survey app and the Public Project Management System—were also launched. Outstanding engineers and contractors were honoured for high‐quality work in infrastructure and public service.
• Karnataka (Belagavi & Davanagere): At Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), and at Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, the birth anniversary of Sir Visvesvaraya was marked with ceremonies praising values such as practical skills, discipline, ethics, and leadership. Local engineering luminaries were honoured for societal contributions. The importance of blending academics with real-world applications was stressed.
• Mysore / Mysuru: Students and faculty at MIT Mysuru, collaborating with SAI CAD Institute from Bengaluru, are attempting a world record by creating an enormous 80 m × 100 m (8,000 m²) portrait of Sir M. Visvesvaraya using eco-friendly materials. The initiative is not only a tribute but also a demonstration of sustainability, technical creativity, and collaborative effort.

Recognising Trailblazers and Pioneers

This year’s Engineers’ Day also gives special prominence to India’s early female engineers—Ayyalasomayajula Lalitha, P.K. Thressia, and Leelamma George—who broke social barriers in the 1930s-40s by obtaining engineering degrees and forging careers in male-dominated fields. Their legacy is being highlighted in educational and media narratives to inspire young women to enter engineering fields.

A National Call to Innovation and Excellence

The national theme for Engineers’ Day 2025 – “Deep Tech & Engineering Excellence: Driving India’s Techade” – signals an increased focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, clean energy, and sustainable infrastructure. Institutions and universities are organising seminars, hackathons, and workshops to engage students in solving real-world challenges. The emphasis is on translating technical education into solutions that benefit society, aligning with the country’s broader goals of innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable development.

Leadership Messages and Public Recognition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to engineers across India, lauding their dedication, creativity, and role in nation-building. In social media posts, he reaffirmed the continuing relevance of Sir Visvesvaraya’s work and urged engineers to maintain high standards of innovation and service.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the enthusiasm, several voices have underscored existing challenges: ensuring that engineering education keeps pace with rapidly evolving technologies, improving access and representation—especially for women and marginalized groups—and fostering environments where innovation is rewarded. Infrastructure, research funding, and industry-academia collaboration are recurring demands. Many events this Engineers’ Day include panels and discussions addressing these gaps.

Conclusion

Engineers’ Day 2025 in India is more than homage—it is an assertion that in an era of technological disruption, sustainability concerns, and global competition, engineers and innovators are central to the nation’s progress. Through awards, new institutions, grassroots innovation projects, and renewed calls for inclusive education, the celebrations today reinforce engineering as a catalyst for transformation and a vital force in shaping India’s future.