Daijiworld Media Network- Doha

Doha, Sep 17: Man has developed constantly and at every step his development was essentially dependent on how easy he made daily living for himself. From inventing the wheel, to the costliest Lamborghini of today; From simple stone tools to hydraulic heavy machinery of today; all of these would not have been possible without the mind and insistence of an engineer.

Yes, scientists are the ones who dream about great things, but engineers are the ones who bring them to life. Engineers’ contribution towards the development of mankind is immeasurable. This is why they are held in high esteem among all the professions and in India even a day is specially reserved for them when their contribution to the society is recognised. This day also happens to be the birthday of Sir M Visvesvaraya, one of the greatest and pioneers engineering brains of the world.

Yes, September 15, the birthday of Sir V Visvesaraya is being observed as Engineers’ Day in India. Sir M Visvesvaraya was born on September 15, 1860 in Muddenahalli village in Kolar district of the earlier princely state of Mysore. He is known to be the greatest engineers of all times, who with his vision and dedication in the field of engineering made some exceptional contributions to India.

Owing to his contribution to the nation, he was honoured with the highest state award of India, the 'The Bharat Ratna,' in the year 1955. When he reached the age of 100, the Government of India brought out a stamp in his honour. Sir M Visvesvaraya passed away on April 14, 1962 at the age of 101.

A programme to commemorate the 153rd birthday of this genius was held at the Ashoka Hall within the premises of the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) here on Monday September 15 evening. It was for the second time that Karnataka Sangha Qatar organized Engineers' Day. Programme began with observing a minute of silence in memory of the people who lost their lives in Jammu and Kashmir floods.

The KSQ Engineers’ day celebration began by lighting a traditional lamp. Thereafter the chief guest of the evening Engr Khalid Al Mansouri - CTO, Ooredoo Global Services, guest of honours Ravi Shetty - MD ATS, P S Pai - advisor, KEMCO and V S Mannangi- GM- Almuftah Contracting and Chairman of Advisory Board KSQ were presented a plant by the ladies committee members of the Sangha.

Dynamic president of the forum, Deepak shetty while welcoming the guests, highlighted the efforts of KSQ in introducing new ideas to this years celebration. He announced the new initiative - award 'AbhiyantaraShri' to honour eminent Kannadiga engineers residing in Qatar, considering their professional excellency and for their contribution to the society.

A documentary video on life of Sir M Visvesvarayya was shown at the begining. First keynote speaker of the day Subramanya Hebbagilu QA/QC Engineer Galfar presented the latest trends in Sewage Treatment process. The second keynote speaker John D’souza presented his own invention 'a model of surface transport system driven by bicycle that can save significant amount of fuel avoiding air pollution. The third speaker of the day Manjunath Rao, Actg GM, QALEX spoke about aluminium and about the process followed at QALEX. All the three keynote speeches were received well by the audience.

Immediately after,a public function was held. Engr Khalid Al Mansouri - CTO, Ooredoo Global Services, Guest of Honours Ravi Shetty - MD ATS, P S Pai - Advisor, KEMCO and V S Mannangi- GM- Almuftah Contracting and Chairman of Advisory Board KSQ were escorted to the dais by Deepak Shetty, Nagesh Rao and Mahesh Gowda. Deepak Shetty, president of KSQ handed over a memento to Engr Khalid Al Mansouri in appreciation of attending the event. Chief Guest spoke in length about his early days as an engineer, his experience of Indian Engineers working in Qatar and also thanked KSQ for giving an opportunity to attend the event with so many Engineers.

KSQ then felicitated M Ravi Shetty and P S Pai with 'Abhiyantara Shri' award for year 2014. Accepting the award Ravi Shetty spoke about 'Making best use of the opportunity and taking challenges head-on, hardwork, dedication' as key elements in his success. He also remembered contribution of his parents, friends and collegues. He thanked KSQ for the honour.

P S Pai another recipient of the honour while thanking KSQ, recalled his early days in Qatar and requested fellow engineers to work with utmost sinceriaty.

Seenu Pillay – general secretary ICC, Milan Arun Committee Member ICBF, Niyaz Ahmed-preident KMCA, Prakashchandra Ajila –president Bunts Qatar, Divakar Poojary president Qatar Billavas, Satish Deshpande, past president of Institution of Engineers India, Qatar Chapter and Founder president KSQ, Arun Kumar past president of KSQ, Seetharam Shetty past president of Tulukoota, committee members, members and engineers of KSQ, Tulukoota, KMCA, Bunts Qatar, SKMWA and Qatar Billvas were present.

Tufail Mateen, Jt cultural secretary of KSQ compered the event. KSQ general secretary Mahesh Gowda proposed the vote of thanks. Snacks were served to a crowd of around 100 attendees.