52ND ENGINEERS’ DAY 2019
15-Sep-2019
The Institution of Engineers (India) Manipur State Centre joined hands with other Engineers from public and private organisations to observe the 52nd Engineers’ Day on 15th September 2019 at Manipur Industrial Trade and Expo Centre, Imphal in commemoration of 159th Birthday of legendary Engineer Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarya. The simple function was graced by Er. Jarnail Singh, IAS (Retd.), the former Chief Secretary of Manipur and at present Administrator of Manipur University, as the Chief Guest. A host of State Engineers who contributed extensively to the IEI Manipur State Centre in particular and to the people of State in general also graced the function as Guest of Honour. Prof. (Dr.) Goutam Sutradhar, FIE who was invited specially for delivering a lecture on the theme “Engineering for Change” was also among the dignitaries on the dias. The Function was presided over by Er. N. Shyamsundar Singh, FIE, Chairman, IEI Manipur State Centre.
The lighting of lamp by the dignitaries marked the beginning of the observation. Dr. N. Monika Chanu, AMIE, Member of the State Committee welcomed the respected dignitaries, distinguished guests, media persons and other Engineers & friends from different sections of the society to the function. All present then paid floral tribute and respect to the all time great Engineer Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarya.
The Special invitee, Prof. (Dr.) Goutam Sutradhar, FIE, Director, NIT Manipur, the lead speaker on the theme “Engineering for Change” spoke at length and enlightened the august gathering with his highly valued deliberation. In his erudite discourse, Prof. Sutradhar highlighted the rapid developments in the scientific and technological fronts that have brought in significant changes in the economic performance of all sectors and hence the economic growth of the Country over the last couple of decades. We in the Engineering fraternity must be proud of such achievements, the Professor rightly added.
Speaking on the occasion, the Guest of Honour, Er. Th. Joykumar Singh, FIE, Former Chief Engineer, P.W.D. Manipur & Former Controller of Technical Education Manipur briefly explained about the changes in various sectors following climate change such as variations of rainfall and its impact on Agriculture & its allied components, increase in power demand and need for development of Renewable Energy Resources in lieu of the conventional electricity generation using fossil fuel etc. Therefore, he drew the attention of the fellow Engineers to the increase of responsibility of Engineers of all discipline and further made an appeal to work for finding adaptive and mitigative measures compatible with the change.
Er. M. Ibomcha Singh, FIE, Controller of Technical Education, Manipur, another Guest of Honour, elucidated the life history of Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarya closely following the journey that begins from a rural family at Muddenhali (Mysuru) reaching to several Institutes and work places of Maharastra, Karnataka and other parts of erstwhile Deccan and creating milestone there, receiving the Nation’s highest honour Bharat Ratna in 1955. Er. Ibomcha also highlighted many of the exemplary contributions made by the legendary pioneer for the economic development of the society as a whole.
Er. Kh. Temba Singh, FIE, Chief Engineer, P.W.D. Manipur who also graced the function as the Guest of Honour, emphasized the need for keeping an eye on the population growth/congestion that causes hazardous pollution and environmental degradation. He cautioned all concerned against such kind of dreaded change as it would have far reaching consequence.
The Chief Guest, Er. Jarnail Singh, IAS (Retd.), Administrator, Manipur University, an Electrical Engineer of high repute, gave an account of his initiatives towards the development of core infrastructures (Road & Power) in the State of Manipur when he was Secretary / Commissioner in mid seventies. The Administrator made a deliberate attempt to compare the present State of Road & Power with the one that prevailed almost forth years back. Expressing satisfaction over the remarkable development, the former Chief Secretary praised the dutifulness of the State Engineers.
The Honorary Secretary of IEI Manipur State Centre, Er. A. Roudrajit Moirang, MIE deliberated about a brief history of The Institution of Engineers (India) and about the State Centre to the august gathering. He also expressed his desire in increasing the present strength of Corporate Members attached to Manipur State Centre.
In his presidential address, Er. N. Shyamsundar Singh, FIE, Chairman, The Institution of Engineers (India), Manipur State Centre, drew the attention of the gathering to three basic changes namely, climate change, degradation of soil health and social degradation, that have been encroaching fast upon the domain of the mankind. Asserting that the Engineers are always few steps ahead of others and capable of identifying , analysing and solving the problems that cause the changesw through technbological intervention, the Chairman called upon the Engineers to initiate appropriate actions together to combat the changes before the threat turns into a death-trap.
In recognition of their contributions to the society and Institution, some of the Engineers were also felicitated.
Er. Th. Subhaschandra Singh, AMIE, Honorary Joint Secretary, IEI Manipur State Centre proposed the vote of thanks.
After lunch, the gathering was amused by a colourful cultural programme.