Visakhapatnam witnessed the unveiling of statues honoring two of India's greatest engineers – Dr. K.L. Rao and Bharat Ratna M. Visvesvaraya. The event also secured a pledge of ₹1.5 crore in CSR support to accelerate the completion of the new Visvesvaraya Bhavan.

Key Takeaways

  • Statues of Dr. K.L. Rao and Sir M. Visvesvaraya were unveiled and reinstalled
  • State President Palla Srinivasa Rao pledged approximately ₹1.5 crore in CSR funding
  • Technical sessions covered water conservation and the Polavaram‑Penna river‑linking project

The Institution of Engineers (India), Visakhapatnam Centre, paid tribute to two engineering icons on the birth anniversary of Padma Bhushan Dr. K.L. Rao. Held at the newly built Visvesvaraya Bhavan, the ceremony featured the unveiling of Dr. Rao’s statue and the ceremonial re‑installation of Sir M. Visvesvaraya’s statue, underscoring the city’s commitment to preserving engineering heritage.

Unveiling Ceremony and Key Guests

On July 15, TDP state president and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao inaugurated the statue of Dr. K.L. Rao. Emphasising the need to inspire the next generation, he announced a corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment of roughly ₹1.5 crore to fast‑track the remaining construction of Visvesvaraya Bhavan.

Re‑installation of Sir M. Visvesvaraya’s Statue

Former JNTU‑GV Vice‑Chancellor Prof. K. Venkata Subbaiah re‑installed the statue of Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya, highlighting the visionary’s monumental contributions to irrigation, industrial development, and nation‑building.

Technical Sessions: Water Conservation and River Linking

The event’s technical segment featured Prof. V. Venkateswara Rao, who presented sustainable micro‑level water‑conservation strategies for Andhra Pradesh, and I. Sathyanarayana Raju, who examined Dr. K.L. Rao’s irrigation legacy and the intricate engineering of the Polavaram‑Penna river‑linking project. Their insights offered practical knowledge to the assembled engineers, academicians, and students.

Broader Impact and Future Outlook

Beyond honoring past legends, the ceremony signaled a forward‑looking agenda: leveraging heritage to drive youth engagement, mobilising CSR for critical infrastructure, and fostering dialogue on water resource management. Such initiatives bridge historical reverence with contemporary engineering challenges, positioning Visakhapatnam as a hub for innovation and sustainable development.