OBSERVANCE OF 56th ENGINEERS DAY 2023 ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2023
The 56th Engineers Day based on the theme “Engineering a Resilient Future: Building Stronger, Smarter, Safer”; to commemorate the 163rd birthday of Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was observed by the Institution and several of its regional centres with great enthusiasm to pay respect to the greatest engineer of mother India, popularly known as Sir M V.; born in the year 1860 in Muddenahalli village of Chikballapur Taluk, Kolar District, Karnataka.
Brief Engineering Marvels of Sir M. V.: After completing his engineering from the Poona College of Science, Visvesvaraya accepted an offer to work as an Assistant Engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Government of Bombay in 1885. In 1899, he implemented an intricate system of irrigation in the Deccan Plateau and designed and patented a system of automatic weir water floodgates that were first installed in 1903 at Khadakvasla Dam near Pune. These gates raised the storage level in the reservoir to the highest level likely to be attained without causing any damage to the dam. Based on the success of these gates, the same system was installed at Tigra Dam in Gwalior and later at the KRS Dam at Mysore, Karnataka.
In around 1906/1907, the Government of British India sent Visvesvaraya to the British Colony of Aden (present-day Yemen), to study water supply and drainage systems. The project prepared by him was successfully implemented in Aden.
After opting for voluntary retirement in 1908, Visvesvaraya took a foreign tour to study industrialised nations. Then, for a short period, he worked for Nizam Osman Ali Khan. He was one of the chief engineers of the flood protection system for the city of Hyderabadwho suggested flood relief measures for the city, which was under constant threat by the Musi river. He achieved celebrity status when he designed a flood protection system for the city. He was instrumental in developing a system to protect Visakhapatnam port from sea erosion. This dam created the biggest reservoir in Asia at the time of its construction.
In November 1909, at the invitation of Dewan Sir V.P. Madhava Rao, Visvesvaraya joined as a chief engineer of Mysore State. He was the Chief Engineer of the KRS Dam at Mysore. He was also later the chairman of the board of engineers for the Tungabhadra Dam in Hospet, Karnataka.
In 1912, Visvesvaraya was appointed Dewan of Mysore by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV. He served for nearly seven years until 1918. With support from the Maharaja, Visvesvaraya contributed to the general development of the Kingdom of Mysore.
Under the initiation of the Institution of Public Health Engineers, India (IPHE) the central programme of 56th Engineers Day 2023 was hosted by the IPHE – Agartala Regional Centre (ARC) in association with the IPHE HQ in virtual modeon 15thSeptember, 2023 from 4.30 pm for about an hour time.
The programme started with the welcome address made by Er. Sitangshu Chakrabaroty, Secretary, IPHE - ARC. The keynote speaker of the occasion,DrN C Ghosh, former Scientist – G, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee and Principal, Bengal Institute of Technology, Kolkata sharedhisthoughtson ‘Source Sustainability for Drinking Water Supply in India’ based on the theme of the day and stretched upon the need for best utilisation ofengineering capabilities, particularly to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal – 06 under the Jal Jivan Mission initiative of ‘Har Ghar Jal by 2024’.
Dr. Dinesh Chand, President, IPHE, chaired the event, has invited theeminent participants from several regional centres during the open house discussions, whohave shared their thoughts and offered deep respect to Sir M. V.
Dr. N. B. Basu, Vice President, IPHE has made concluding remarks and thanked all the participants.
Brief proceedings of the events organised by the Regional Centres:
IPHE - Bangalore Regional Centre(BRC) in association with Department of Civil Engineering, Dayanand Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE) and in collaboration with Indian Water Works Association (IWWA), Bangalore Centre & Indian Concrete Institute (ICI), Bangalore Centre has organised a National Webinar featuring an expert lecture on the topic ‘Infrastructure Sustainnovation for a more Resilient World’ delivered by Er. H. R. Girish, Chairman, ICI - Bangalore Centre. Er. Girish in his deliberation has emphasised on upskilling of industry professionals, seamless adoption of technology in entrepreneurship amongst budding engineers and students, with a focus on prudent engineering concepts, resource conservation and sustainability.
Welcome speech was delivered by Dr. H. K. Ramaraju, Secretary, BRC and Vice Principal, DSCE on the occasion. The programme was inaugurated by lightening of lamps by the dignitaries followed by an inaugural address made by Dr. P. N. Ravindran, former Chief Engineer, Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board. Formal vote of thanks was delivered by Er. R. P. Mallik, Chairman, BRC. The event was presided by Dr. B. G. Prasad, Principal, DSCE.
IPHE – Agartala Regional Centre (ARC) in association with the Public Works Department (Drinking Water &Sanitation), Engineering Wing of Urban Development Departmentand Tripura Jal Board has observed the 56th Engineers Day in the conference hall of U D Bhawan, Agartala. Er. Baisampayan Chakraborty & Er. Dipak C. Das, both former Chief Engineer, PWD(DWS) were the Chief Guest and Special Guest respectively on the occasion. Er. RajibDebbarma, Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B) and Chairman, IPHE – ARC has presided over the programme.
The programme started with garlanding the portrait of Sir M Visvesvaraya and offering floral tribute to the engineering legend by all the dignitaries and participants on the occasion. Formal welcome address was delivered by Er. Sitangshu Chakraborty, Secretary, ARC, followed by formal inauguration of the event by lighting lamp by the dignitaries. Er. B. N. Roy, former Superintending Engineer, PWD (DWS) has been felicitated on the occasion.
All the dignitaries shared their valuable thoughts and service experiences in their deliberations based on the theme of the 56th Engineers Day.
Tributes Pour In for Bindeshwar Pathak, India's Toilet Man
Bindeshwar Pathak, renowned as India's "Toilet Man," has sadly passed away at 80 on August 15, 2023. He was a pioneer in public sanitation and founded Sulabh in 1970, which became synonymous with public toilets and fighting open defecation. Despite facing teasing, Pathak dedicated his life to improving sanitation.
Born in Bihar, he joined the fight against manual scavenging in 1968, leading to the creation of Sulabh, combining innovation and humanitarian values.
Pathak's innovative designs, like linking toilets to biogas plants, are now a global model. His projects produce odor-free biogas and clean water, benefiting communities worldwide.
He received numerous awards, including the Padma Bhishan, for his work. Pope John Paul II lauded him as a helper of the poor.
Sulabh also operates vocational training institutes and supports marginalized communities, embodying Pathak's commitment to societal upliftment.
Bindeshwar Pathak's legacy will forever be associated with his pioneering efforts to enhance sanitation and empower the marginalized in India. His work continues to inspire positive change nationwide.
A condolence meeting was held at IPHE HQ on August 25 and the speakers were as below:
S K Mukherjee - Secretary General, IPHE (welcome address)
B K Sengupta - former Secretary General, IPHE (read formal condolence message and discussed about Dr. Pathak's contribution to the society and his long association with IPHE)
Prof. K. J. Nath - immediate past president, IPHE (remembered decades long association with Dr. Pathak)
Prof. Arunabha Majumder - Vice President, IPHE (discussed contribution of Dr. Pathak in rural sanitation and waste water management in the country and abroad)
Other speakers - Shri Himanshu Prasad, Dr. Amar Pratap Singh.
Program coordinator - Shri T. K. Dutta, Secretary, IPHE
Vote of Thanks - Shri K. A. Roy, Secretary, IPHE
EVENTS: OCT
WORLD HABITAT DAY
October 1 - Monday
World Habitat Day, observed globally on the first Monday of October under the guidance of the United Nations, emphasizes the universal entitlement to proper housing and prompts contemplation regarding the condition of our urban areas. Its inception in Nairobi, Kenya in 1986 has transformed it into an annual international affair. Diverse themes like "Shelter for the Homeless" and "Water and Sanitation for Cities" have been tackled, offering insights into urban issues. This occasion serves as a compelling reminder of our collective duty to shape the future of urban life and prioritize sustainable and inclusive urban development.
WORLD FOOD DAY
October 16 - Monday
World Food Day, observed annually on October 16, marks the inception of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945. This global occasion is endorsed by entities such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. WFP's receipt of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize acknowledged its endeavors in combatting hunger, fostering peace in conflict zones and striving to eliminate the use of hunger as a weapon in warfare. Pioneered during FAO's 20th General Conference in 1979 with Hungary's enthusiastic support, World Food Day now spans over 150 countries. It serves as a platform to raise awareness about poverty and hunger, while emphasizing the critical importance of food security and nutritious diets for all.
Editorial
The Engineered Path to Better Health - Celebrating ‘Engineers Day’
In the ongoing battle for public health and well-being, engineers are often the unsung heroes. While healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers receive much-deserved recognition, it is essential to acknowledge the vital contribution of engineers in shaping a healthier and safer world on this Engineers Day.
Engineering, as a discipline, plays an integral role in public health, transcending traditional boundaries to safeguard our communities, environments and futures. From developing cutting-edge medical technologies to ensuring clean water as well as efficient infrastructure, engineers are at the forefront of the fight for a healthier world.
Innovative Medical Devices
Engineers design game-changing healthcare tools like advanced imaging, diagnostics and prosthetics. These enhance patient outcomes and precision in medical procedures, as seen in ventilator development during COVID-19.
Environmental Stewardship
Engineers devise eco-friendly solutions, combatting pollution and climate change to promote clean air, water, and soil, improving human health. They design wastewater treatment systems and reduce air pollution.
Infrastructure and Disaster Preparedness
Civil engineers create resilient infrastructure, aiding disaster response and reducing casualties. They establish early warning systems, evacuation strategies, and emergency shelters for public health crises.
Access to Clean Water
Engineers ensure access to safe drinking water, saving lives through water treatment and distribution systems. They purify water, oversee quality, and expand access, a fundamental human entitlement and pillar of public health.
Verdict
Engineers are the unsung heroes laboring tirelessly behind the scenes to safeguard and advance public health. Their innovative creations, designs and problem-solving have a deep and enduring influence on our society. As we commemorate 163rd birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya as 56th Engineers Day, let us take a moment to honor these indispensable professionals who contribute significantly to a healthier, safer and more sustainable world. Their unwavering commitment to enhancing public health merits our highest admiration and gratitude.
Quizingly Yours
#02
Engineers' Day was a big deal last month, and now it is time to keep the celebration going with an exciting engineering quiz. Let us explore the world of engineering together, test your knowledge and uncover the incredible things engineers do!
Q1 What is the primary goal of public health engineering?
a) Providing medical care
b) Ensuring clean and safe water supply
c) Building hospitals
d) Conducting health education programs
Q2 Which of the following waterborne diseases is not associated with contaminated drinking water?
A) Cholera B) Malaria
C) Dysentery D) Typhoid
Q3 What is the purpose of wastewater treatment in public health engineering?
a) Generating electricity
b) Reducing water pollution
c) Increasing water acidity
d) Promoting waterborne diseases
Q4 Which sanitation method is the most effective in preventing the spread of diseases?
A) Open defecation B) Pit latrines
c) Flush toilets with proper sewage treatment
d) Composting toilets
Q5 Which of the following is a vector-borne disease related to public health engineering?
A) Tuberculosis B) HIV/AIDS
C) Malaria D) Diabetes
Q6 What is the primary function of a water treatment plant in public health engineering?
A) Purifying air B) Treating wastewater
c) Treating and purifying drinking water
d) Generating electricity
Q7 Which organization is responsible for setting and enforcing water quality standards in the United States?
a) World Health Organization (WHO)
b) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
c) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
d) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Quizingly Yours #02 ANSWERS
Q1 B), Q2 B), Q3 C), Q4 C)
Q5 C), Q6 C), Q7 B)
