About Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya
Sir. Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1861–1962) was a renowned Indian engineer, statesman, and visionary, celebrated for his pioneering contributions to engineering and nation-building.
Born in Muddenahalli, Karnataka, he designed the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam, revolutionized irrigation, and introduced innovative flood control systems, including automatic sluice gates.
As the Diwan of Mysore (1912–1918), he transformed the state through advancements in industry, infrastructure, and education, establishing institutions like the University of Mysore. Knighted in 1915 and awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1955, his legacy continues, with his birthday, September 15, celebrated as Engineers' Day in India.
Sir M. Visvesvaraya was one of the pioneers in India to recognize the importance of research and development for industrial growth. His vision was to establish a research-driven international center for industry and trade that would foster innovation and industrial progress by connecting domestic industries to the global market.
About MVIRDC
The M. Visvesvaraya Industrial Research and Development Centre (MVIRDC) is the promoter body of India's premier trade promotion organization, World Trade Center Mumbai (WTC Mumbai). The organisation is named after eminent engineer, educationist, industrialist, public administrator and banker Bharat Ratna Sir Dr. Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya
Recognizing research and trade facilitation as the cornerstones of industrial growth, Dr. Visvesvaraya envisioned the establishment of a world-class industrial research and trade promotion organization at the commercial capital of India. To bring his vision to life, MVIRDC was established on June 26, 1970 in Mumbai. The organization’s first president was Mr. S.K. Wankhede, Former Industries Minister, Government of Maharashtra. On July 1, 1970, MVIRDC’s agreement with the World Trade Centers Association, New York came into effect.
Iconic Twin Towers of WTC Mumbai
On January 14, 1978, an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar, Arcade Shopping Complex, the first phase of WTC Mumbai's iconic real estate project at Cuffe Parade was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Honourable Shri Morarji Desai. The entire project features the Arcade, 32-story Center 1 Tower and the 24-story Center 2 - IDBI, spread across 48,025 sq m. The Center 1 Tower was completed in October 1988 and the Center 2 – IDBI was completed by April 1989. The Center 2 – IDBI was inaugurated by Mr. S.B. Chavan, Hon’ble Finance Minister of India, during the financial year 1988–89.