Engineers are architects of country’s future: Karnataka Minister

Water Resources Minister N. Chaluvarayaswamy said engineers are not merely builders of roads and buildings but architects of the country’s future.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 41st National Convention of Civil Engineering, organised by the Institution of Engineers (India), in Mysuru on October 3.

The dedication and commitment of engineers are crucial to building a secure and prosperous future, he said.

While acquiring knowledge was important, putting it to use for the benefit of society was equally significant. Roads, bridges, water supply, electricity, and mobile technology had become an integral part of everyday life, but behind every such facility was the knowledge, hard work, planning, and responsibility of thousands of engineers, the Minister said.

He said the world was changing rapidly, with artificial intelligence, robotics, semiconductors, green energy, electric vehicles, and space technology transforming the way people lived. “Karnataka had a leading role to play in this technological transformation,” he said.

“There was immense talent, innovative thinking, and aspiration in every district, taluk, and village of the State. The responsibility of empowering these aspirations with modern technology rests with all stakeholders.

“Development is not limited to mega projects. Ensuring timely water supply to farmers, providing quality digital education to students, improving rural road connectivity, and creating skill-based employment opportunities for youth were also important indicators of real progress,” he said.

Technology should not merely be ‘smart’ but also sustainable, the Minister said, urging youngsters not just to seek jobs but also become job creators.

Recalling the contribution of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the Minister said his vision and efficiency continues to inspire generations. Despite the limited technology available during his time, the projects he conceived and executed remain exemplary.

The Minister felicitated senior engineers for their contribution to the country, and presented the ‘Young Engineer’ award to Manish Pandey.

Later, he interacted with engineers on the theme ‘Contribution of Civil Engineers Towards Building a Developed India – 2047’.

CIVDB Chairperson P. Suryaprakash, office-bearers Sitaram, Nagaraj, H.S. Suresh Babu and Nanjayya, retired chief engineer Mahadev, and former All India Institution of Engineers president V.B. Singh were among those present.