The Incredible Engineers Who Built Modern India

By Vandya Rai

September 14, 2022

Satish Dhawan

Known as the father of experimental fluid dynamics research in India. He did important research in the field of turbulence and boundary layers, leading to innovations in the Indian space programme.

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Image Source: Wikipedia

E. Sreedharan

He changed the face of public transportation in the country. He led the mighty projects of building the Konkan Railway and the Delhi Metro, and came to be known as the ‘Metro Man of India’.

Civil Engineering

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Narayana Murthy

The founder of the tech giant, Infosys, and known as the ‘father of the Indian IT sector’. Infosys became the first Indian company to be listed on an American stock exchange.

Electrical Engineering

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APJ Abdul Kalam

Known as the ‘Missile Man of India’. He played a key role in the launch of India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle. He was also the president of India.

Aerospace Engineering

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Verghese Kurien

Known as the "Father of the White Revolution" in India. His revolutionary work led the country to become the world’s largest milk producer through a system of farmer cooperatives, later named Amul.

Mechanical Engineering

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Satyan Pitroda

Known as the ‘Father of India’s Computer and IT Revolution’, he helped bridge the global digital divide with his various initiatives and policies across sectors. He also founded India’s Telecom Commission.

Telecommunication Engineering

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Chewang Norphel

Known as the “Ice Man of India”. He built 15 artificial glaciers to bring water to one of the world’s driest regions in Ladakh’s villages. His efforts increased agricultural production and reduced migration to cities.

Civil Engineering

Image Source: Wikipedia

M Visvesvaraya

India’s first engineer, his birthday is celebrated as Engineer’s Day. He built dams across the country, including Asia’s largest reservoir at the time. He also planned a flood protection system for Hyderabad.

Civil Engineering

Image Source: Wikipedia