India’s genius engineer

Taran and his family journey to Muddenahalli in Karnataka to learn more about Sir. M. Viswesaraya

It was about 10.00 a.m. Taran and his family had driven from Bengaluru and swerved off the highway near Chikkaballapura. Google Maps said they had about eight kms more to go. The drive was pleasant with the majestic Nandi Hills in the backdrop.

Soon, they arrived at Muddenahalli, a tiny village that looked like any other in South India. Except that this was the birthplace of India’s legendary civil engineer, Sir M. Viswesaraya or Sir MV. They had come looking for his home, which had been converted into a museum.

Appa and Amma were wondering if they had the correct location when a school bus screeched to a halt beside their car. “This must be the right place. Students have come for a study tour,” remarked Appa, as hordes of chattering students got off. Taran followed them into the museum. On display were Sir Viswesaraya’s personal belongings, such as his books, pen, spectacles, and visiting cards, as well as official clothes from when he served as the Diwan of the Mysore State before Independence.

“Look Amma, he has received the Bharat Ratna award, India’s highest civilian honour,” said Taran.

“He contributed to many public works across the country. His first big idea was when he designed an automatic water floodgates system for the Khadakvasla Reservoir, near Pune. He earned a name as a problem solver. He used to be invited across the country for mega civil engineering projects. He was truly a visionary who modernised states and solved many irrigation issues,” stated Amma, while looking at some framed newspaper articles.

As, the students rushed out, still chattering and excited, the teacher said, “Do not miss the street light Sir MV studied under.”