Dr M Visvesvaraya was born on the 15th of September 1861 in the
Kolar District of
Mysore as the son of Srinivasa Sasthri and Venkachamma. Popularly known as the Grand Old Man of India, he was one of the makers of modern India. As a lad, he was intelligent in his studies. He earned his graduation from Central College,
Bangalore and completed engineering education at the Science College,
Pune. He was ranked first in the LCE and FCE examinations. His contributions include the
Krishnarajasagara Dam, one of the biggest dams in India, Bhadravati Iron and Steel Works, the Mysore Sandal Oil Factory, and
Mysore University. Visvesvaraya was honored with Bharat Ratna in 1955. He was also the recipient of several honorary degrees like D Sc, LLD, and D Litt. At the age of 101, he passed away.