Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was born in a small village called Muddenahalli, in the Kolar district of the erstwhile Mysore state. His parents were very poor. They did not have the means to educate their son. Even then, Visvesvarayya always wanted to study. After finishing primary education, he went to Bangalore to study in high school. However, managing his expenses in Bangalore was difficult. Hence, he stayed with a friend so as to reduce his expenses. He graduated with a B.A. from Central College. With the recommendation of the English principal of Central College, Visvesvarayya began his engineering studies in Pune. He also received a scholarship.
Visvesvarayya’* fame and his promotion to a high post created jealousy among other engineers who were his colleagues. This was because he was being paid a high salary despite his young age, and because everyone went to him for advice. Once, the Nawab of Hyderabad was faced with a big problem – the annual flooding of the river Musi. The flooding caused considerable damage every year. Visvesvarayya constructed a dam across the river Musi, made provisions for irrigation canals, and devised a plan to make Hyderabad a beautiful city. The result of his efforts can be seen even today – the ‘Baag-e-Aam’ garden, which is better known as Public Gardens in Hyderabad.
Visvesvarayya experienced happiness in serving his motherland. Influenced by his workmanship, the Maharaja of Mysore appointed him as the Dewan (Prime Minister) of the princely state of Mysore. Through his projects, he brought a complete change and makeover to Mysore. He brought in reforms, opened factories, began the production of electricity, made facilities for irrigation, and increased the income of the state. The erstwhile state of Mysore and the present-day state of Karnataka is a testimony to the tireless efforts of Visvesvarayya. In 1955, Government of India bestowed the highest civilian honour, the “Bharat Ratna” upon Visvesvarayya.
Visvesvarayya was a karma yogi. He was punctual and hardworking. He believed that because Indians are lazy, other nations are making progress today. He considered humility and service to be sacred and pure values. His character is a model to everyone. There was no trace of arrogance in him. He always dreamed of the development of India. This great person passed away on the 14th of April, 1962, in Bangalore at the ripe age of 101.
