A Century Ahead of His Time: M. Visvesvaraya’s Ideas Continue to Guide India Towards Viksit Bharat
Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and Chairman, MVIRDC WTC Mumbai paying floral tributes to Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya on his birth anniversary and National Engineers’ Day at World Trade Center, Mumbai. Also seen in the picture (From Left to Rights) are Ms. Priya Pansare, Senior Director, MVIRDC WTC, Mumbai; Capt. Ramesh K. Gulati, Member, Council of Management, MVIRDC WTC; Mr. Sharad Upasani, Vice Chairman, WTC, Mumbai and Mr. Santosh Kotre, Director, Finance and Accounts, MVIRDC WTC, Mumbai.
“Sir M. Visvesvaraya believed in building, creating and transforming ideas into institutions that would serve generations. He was a visionary far ahead of his time. As early as 1940, he had envisaged the need for a metro system and better connectivity for Mumbai. His contribution to planned development and institution-building continues to guide us even today. As India moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047, his emphasis on infrastructure, industrialisation, engineering excellence and long-term planning remains more relevant than ever. We are thankful to the Government of India for commemorating his birth anniversary as National Engineers’ Day and giving the nation an opportunity to remember the extraordinary contribution of this great engineer and nation-builder”, said Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai in his tribute to Bharat Ratna Shri Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya on his 165th Birth Anniversary, also celebrated as National Engineers Day, at MVIRDC World Trade Center, Mumbai.
Dr. Kalantri further added, “He understood that as India developed its manufacturing capabilities, the country would also need to expand its exports and connect Indian industry with global markets. His vision of establishing a Trade Center in Mumbai, India’s commercial capital, and developing a multi-storeyed complex dedicated to promoting international trade was remarkably farsighted and in tune with his broader vision for the country”.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Sharad Upasani, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, said, “We are proud and grateful to have Sir M. Visvesvaraya as one of the founding visionaries behind World Trade Center Mumbai. The institutions and infrastructure inspired by his thinking stand as enduring monuments to a man whose contribution to India is immeasurable. His ideas and vision have a left a longlasting legacy which continues to inspire us every single day”.
Ms. Priya Pansare, Senior Director, Trade, Investment & International Relations, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, said, “Sir M. Visvesvaraya’s vision of ‘Prosperity through Trade’ has profound relevance today. At a time when the global economy is increasingly fragmented, trade can provide common ground for countries to collaborate, create opportunities and pursue shared development. World Trade Center Mumbai continues to carry forward this vision by connecting Indian businesses with international markets, promoting exports, facilitating trade and investment, and strengthening global economic partnerships. In doing so, we remain committed to advancing the vision that Sir M. Visvesvaraya laid down generations ago.”
Observed annually on September 15, National Engineers’ Day marks the birth anniversary of Sir M. Visvesvaraya and recognises the invaluable contribution of engineers to India’s economic and technological development. Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1861–1962) was one of India’s most distinguished engineers and administrators. Renowned for his contributions to irrigation, water management, infrastructure and industrial development, his legacy continues to serve as an inspiration for engineers and nation-builders across the country.
AIAI and WTC Mumbai paid homage to the legendary engineer and highlighted the importance of nurturing engineering talent and innovation to strengthen India’s productivity, sustainability and global competitiveness.
Regards,
Sangeeta Jain
Senior Director
All India Association of Industries (AIAI)