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Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya
Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya had a long and respected career at the national and international level. The marvellous Indian Civil Engineer was born at Muddenahalli Village, Chickkaballapur District on 15 Sept, 1860. He completed his higher qualifications from University of Madras (1881) and College of Engineering, Pune (1883). He worked for the city of Hyderabad as a Chief Designer of the flood protection system.
In 1911, Sir Visvesvaraya was chosen as a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire. From 1912 to 1918 he worked on the position of the Diwan of Mysore and then he was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire. He also received the appreciation from Indian government for his remarkable contribution to our country in different fields but especially for the education and the engineering sector. He expanded the boundaries of the engineering field and modified the study pattern of engineering sector. Every year on his birthday (15 Sept) India celebrates Engineering Day to give tribute to this great personality.
He was conferred the Bharat Ratna award in 1955. The great engineer passed away on 12th April, 1962.
Bharat Ratna Award
The highest civilian award of the Republic of India is known as BHARAT RATNA. It came into existence on 2nd January 1954. The award was in recognition of extraordinary performance in the field of literature, science, public services, and arts only. This award belongs to all people of India without any discrimination of sex, race, and age. Previously award belonged to only limited criteria but in December 2011 the criteria were changed to include all fields of human endeavour.
Maximum 3 nominees may be awarded per year and recommendations for the same are specially made by the PM to the President. A Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion in the shape of a peepal leaf are the only two things being given to the recipients; no money is granted with the award.
In the Indian order of precedence, the Bharat Ratna award comes in the seventh position. But Bharat Ratna recipients are constitutionally prohibited to use the award name as the title as per Article 18 of the Constitution of India.
Since 1954, 44 distinguished individuals have been awarded this prestigious and highest civilian award in the country.
Get the list of Bharat Ratna Awardees by clicking here.
