12 Days-40 Projects! Civil Engineers of ACCE (I) All Geared Up for Techno Week 2018
“Hard work performed in a disciplined manner will in most cases keep the worker fit and also prolong his life. The way to build a nation is to build a good citizen. The majority of the citizens should be efficient, of good character and possess a reasonable high sense of duty. To give real service, you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money” – Sir M Visvesvaraya
“Roofs Help us to Survive, But we Build It. No Software, No Hardware without a Proper Roof. When Civil Engineers Rest, the World Rests. Civil Engineer forever. Civil Engineer rules. Civil Engineer Rocks-Proud to be a Civil Engineer” – a Civil Engineer’s Testimony
Mangaluru: “Remember, your work may be only to sweep a railway crossing, but it is your duty to keep it so clean that no other crossing in the world is as clean as yours.”- These were the words of the greatest engineer India has ever seen, Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya- the engineer whose birthday is celebrated as “Engineers Day” all over India on the 15th of September every year in his memory. Visvesvaraya is often used as a metaphor here for an extremely intelligent person. We say “He has Visvesvaraya’s brain”. Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1860-1962) was a prominent Indian engineer, scholar, visionary, and statesman.
Engineers operate at the interface between science and society. To identify the great works done by the hard-working engineers each year 15th September is celebrated as Engineers’ Day marking the birthday of Sir Visvesvaraya, recognizing his contributions in the field of hydel energy in India. Like every year, this year also ACCE (I), which comprises of efficient technocrats who have been serving the local community and the nation, acknowledged the work of this great engineer by celebrating this day jubilantly. They interacted and discussed the importance and works of the engineers in today’s era.
Engineers are the harbingers of change. They can change the way the world lives. They are the silent revolutionaries and unsung heroes who ceaselessly engage themselves in nation building activities. As they say “Better Late Than Never”, on September 17, 2017 to mark the ‘157th Birth Anniversary of Sir M Visvesvaraya’ and also the ’51’st Engineers’ Day’, the fraternity of Association of Consulting Civil Engineers (India)- (ACCE(I) Mangalore Centre in association with Ramco Cements Ltd celebrated the occasion at St Sebastian Jubilee Hall, Bendore-Mangaluru. It was a time to recollect the invaluable contribution made towards the community and the nation building by these gifted engineers, and also about the life and achievements of India’s pioneering and greatest engineer of all times, Sir M Visvesvaraya. On the occasion the “The Techno Week 2018” was also launched.
Er Rajendra Kalbhavi, the pro-compere of the occasion with his witty punchlines began the programme with thought-provoking words of Civil Engineers- ” We design, We Construct, We Observe, We Initiate, We Drive, We Move, We Accelerate the World, We are the gears of Progress, We are the future of the Nation, We are Engineers, and I am Proud to be an Engineer”, which was followed by invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song rendered ‘always’ by Er Vimal Keerthi Jain. Chairman of ACCE(I)- Er Anil S D’Souza welcomed the gathering, and spoke about the achievements of ACCE(I)-Mangaluru chapter, and also its contribution to the community. Er Vinayak Pai the adviser briefed about the Techno-Week 2018, and asked for support from all the engineers to make it a success as always.
Light symbolizes knowledge while darkness represents ignorance. Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Furthermore, knowledge is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievement can be accomplished. Hence we light the lamp in reverence to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of wealth – thus the inauguration of the “Engineers’ Day and Launching of Techno-week 2018 was done by garlanding the portrait of Sir M Visvesvaraya and by lighting the traditional lamp.
The honours were done by chief guest, Er B S Balakrishna- Retired Superintendent Engineer PWD along with guests of honour- Jayakumar, Senior Vice President, Marketing of The Ramco Cements Ltd. and other ACCE (I)-Mangalore Centre members on the dais namely- Er Anil S D’Souza- Chairman, ACCE (I); Er T Vinayak Pai-Past Chairman- ACCE (I) and Adviser, Techno Week 2018, Er Satyaranjan Rao-Secretary, Er Arun Prabha- Treasurer, Er Vijaya Vishnu Mayya- National Vice President-ACCE (I), Er Suraj Kumar A -Advisor, Techno-Week ’18; Er Bharath J and Er Mohammed Ayub, both Conveners of Techno Week, and er Premanand- Vice chairman.
Addressing the gathering chief guest B S Balakrishna said, ” Engineers are the backbone of development and technology. Sir Visvesvaraya had proved that with dedication, will power and commitment even the impossible could be accomplished. Bharat Ratna Sir M V was considered an engineering wizard. He was not just an engineer, but an individual who was ready to take any work that would contribute to nation building. A genius by his own means, Sir M V’s works remain a tremendous source of inspiration and guiding light for engineers at all times. I humbly request that all the engineers gathered here to follow in the footsteps of Sir M V, because engineers just like Sir M V through their technological feats can transform the world into a better place to live.”
He further said, “It is imperative for engineers to infuse vision, passion, commitment and concern in their works. With engineers as the building block of any infrastructure project, these qualities with an individual’s penchant for innovation will ensure that works executed are of quality and last the life that any project has. Such commitment to work will also ensure social justice. There is also a challenge of scaling up housing projects for urban dwellers who will increasingly migrate to cities, and engineers have to get their act together to meet this challenge” added Er Balakrishna.
Also speaking on the occasion, guest of honour Jayaram of Ramco Cements Ltd said, “Ramco cement Company which is growing rapidly, apart from routine tests, Ramco is involved in finding solutions to concrete challenges faced by various customers and projects. Customers satisfaction is the utmost priority of Ramco Company. The relationship between Ramco and ACCE-Mangaluru has been great for the last so many years, and will continue in the same trend in the future years where unique projects/programmes will be planned for the betterment of the community. I feel like a family member of ACCE (I) Mangaluru, being here for all the Techno-Week programmes.
“Our investments in the latest technology in cement manufacturing has ensured that the cement that we produce is consistent in quality. Ability to innovate, implementing the latest technology in cement manufacturing and our commitment to sustainability has ensured that Ramco Super Grade is amongst the top choice for civil engineers. We produce about 400 million tonnes of cement, out of which only 260 million tonnes is utilized, so we need more clients. Our Technical Services team, continues to work in close coordination with various universities and engineering colleges with an objective to inculcate the importance of good concreting practices among the budding Civil Engineers.” added Jayaram
During the occasion, five engineers were felicitated with awards, namely Eminent Engineers Awards to Er B S Balakrishna, Er Kishore Rao, Er N Ramakrishna Pai; “Anantha Mithra Kalbavi Award to Er Ranganath Aithal; and “Special recognition Award to Er Shankeranarayan K. Er. Sathyaranjan Rao-Secretary of the association proposed the vote of thanks. The event was organized successfully and left its imprints like flowing water embarks its impression on a pebbled shore. It gave an opportunity to everyone to remember and cherish the works of Sir Visvesvaraya. On the occasion, the birthdays of Er Rajendra Rao Kalbavi and Er Vinayakumar B were celebrated with cutting of delicious cakes. And as always, the celebration ends with a bunch of engineers aka “The Karaoke Kings” entertaining the crowd with their golden voices, during the fellowship dinner time.
In conclusion, Engineering is not merely knowing and being knowledgeable; engineering is not merely analysis; engineering is not merely the possession of the capacity to get elegant solutions to non-existent engineering problems; engineering is practicing the art of the organized forcing of technological change.Civil engineers build the World, CS/IT create the Magic, Mech/Auto move the World, EE give power to the World, EC/TC connect the World and make it smaller..Hence Engineers are True Creators- and that’s very much true. Long live the CIVIL ENGINEERS!
EMINENT ENGINEER AWARD:
B S BALAKRISHNA :
B S Balakrishna, whose career and life objective is “Quest for continued excellence in the field of Engineering and Contributing to the improvement, bringing a change in the system, mainly bringing change in ME”, did his B.Tech (Civil), with distinction from KREC 1976 to 1981, and then did his K.E.S from KPSC, Government of Karnataka in 1992
He has conducted/attended various seminars/conferences, to name a few- Seminar and workshop on HIGHWAY Construction and Maintenance, in Tokyo, Kyoto; Japan; Conference on cancer of concrete in Singapore; Conference on Building materials and maintenance, in Hong Kong; Conference on Pavement and Air-field Engineering, in Taipie; AAPA – Conference on Bituminous Pavement, in Gold Coast, Australia, and 35 other National and International Conferences on Pavements and Buildings
He has held key responsibilities like- Project Engineer in AFCONS, Gujarat; 25 years in NH Department, in different capacities; 10 years in PWD, as Superintending Engineer at Mangaluru & Shimoga; Two small stints at MCC and Irrigation Department; and Currently is Member of Karnataka Neeravari Nigam, Krishna Bhagya Jana Nigam, Irrigation Department, Government of Karnataka
He has undertaken projects like- Construction of Infrastructure to cement factory at Jafrabad, Gujarat; Infrastructure for the program- Mahamastakabisheka-2006, including temporary accommodation for 25000 pilgrims,everyday for 45 days; Large no of Road,Bridge and Building – Projects including Netravathi, Kumaradwara Bridges, Veterinary College, Judicial Building etc; Projects like Rigid pavements,4 lane at Thirthahalli and 6 lane at Davangere. Though the improvement work at Agumbe Ghat was very small (cost wise), it was quite challenging, as it was done on damaged rigid pavement (against norms) and with many other constraints
His innovations and newness in departments are- BELIEVE, Innovations and Changes in the Department, only can bring newness in the Department, to provide better and transparent service to the people, this can change the perception of the people about the Department and hence image of the Department. Therefore series of measures were introduced : Exclusive Website to Plan, Execute and Monitor the works under Maintenance; Comprehensive Scientific approach for Maintenance of Roads, Bridges and Buildings; Development of an APP to address the Public Grievances; Digital mode of Traffic Censes in three districts, for first time in India; Methodical, Comprehensive approach towards Quality Assurance and Enforcement in Works; Consistent efforts to implement Road Safety Measures
Assertive actions were taken to protect PWD properties including Roads, Bridges and Buildings from departments like BSNL, Forest, Local bodies and Private Companies which proved to be very effective; Efforts to sensitize and reduce the menace of over loading; and Reports- Presentations on all these innovations were made at the Government level every time, in presence of the Hon’ble Minister, with a zeal to push these reforms, throughout the state
Awards and Appreciations added to his credit are- First time in the History of PWD the Government issued letter of appreciation for the innovations and improvements adopted in the Department; Appreciation letter from the works like Mahamastakabisheka, Youth Festival etc.,; All these measures have been widely appreciated and accepted by the People, Media including Social Media. Regarding Revelation and acknowledgement, All these innovations, improvements and changes were made within the usual allotted grants by the government and well within the preview of his duties and responsibilities (nothing extraordinary ) He says, “We are not short of resources and funds. With vision, passion, concern, involvement and commitment, we can bring wonderful changes in every department, field. All these measures have been documented with adequate proofs, in the form of a book (270 pages), “my indebtedness to department – an imprint” and has been officially presented to the government to say, “yes it can be done”.
His mission for future are- Continued interaction with the Government, insisting on adopting innovations in the Department; Plan to interact with young brains, in Engineering Colleges to Make them believe “WE CAN BRING CHANGES”; Interaction with People, Media to create awareness. Residing currently in Mangaluru, he is married to Archana (Post graduate from Mangalore university), having a daughter Sharavya (BE, MBA) who is married to Santhosh Babu, IPS, and a son, Sanket
Sanket, pursuing Medical Education.
N RAMAKRISHNA PAI :
N. Ramakrishna Pai, aged 74, residing in Mangaluru is the son of R. Narasimha Pai, is married having 2 children, both settled. He got his Degree in Civil Engineering, Kerala University in the year 1966; Attended/Participated in several National Seminars on Ports and Harbours, including International Seminar held in Netherlands, England and Belgium, Construction Management, Project Monitoring etc. Visited many European Ports; Widely traveled in U.S.A, Mexico, Singapore, Gulf Countries, Egypt etc.
He has professional experience gained during service in the Port Sector of Govt of India- like 42 years of experience in Planning, Designing, Engineering, Operating and Maintenance of Ports & Harbors, Ship Yard which includes Marine Structures, Dredging, Pavements, Roads, Buildings, Civic Amenities (Water Supply, Public Health etc.) & Other Infrastructure; Joined as Junior Engineer (Civil) in New Mangalore Port in January, 1967, a Major Port under Government of India and rose to the rank of Chief Engineer in January, 1998 and retired from the Port Trust Service in December, 2001 on superannuation; Worked in Cochin Ship Yard Ltd (a Govt of India Undertaking).
Gained experience in the Planning, designing, estimating, tendering, and execution of construction of jetties, quays, crane foundations, Underground Electrical Substations, infrastructure like Buildings, Services, Roads., Pavements, Industrial Sheds, Godowns, Quarters, Schools, Hospital, Offices etc. Appointed as Chief Engineer in Kandla Port Trust in the year 1998 and in Mangalore Port Trust in 2001. Also Appointed as Officer on Special Duty in Kandla Port in 2001 to handle the Restoration of the Damaged Port and Rebuilding of many Infrastructure damaged due to the severe Earth Quack which shook the Gujarath State on war footing thus gaining rich experience in Disaster Management.
He has a Record Performance as Chief Engineer, Kandla Port Trust- During the period of 3 years as Chief Engineer of KPT, Civil Engineering Department embarked on its ambitious target for the all round implementation of the Schemes related to the Capacity Addition, Development of the Road Net Work System, Stack Yards, Covered Storage Facilities, and Facilities to the Port Users and its Employees among Several Other Schemes. With such targets coupled with dynamic leadership and the cooperation/support from all concerned, All Time High Results could be achieved during the above tenure. More details are furnished in the ‘Annexure’ attached. The very appointment as OSD for the Rebuilding Works of the Port during the Post Earthquake Period is taken as the recognition of the Leadership shown in reinstating the Port in record time after the devastation caused by the Super Cyclone on 6th June, 1998.
Ramakrishna Pai’s professional capabilities with professional contacts and Resources are- Top consultants in the fields of Engineering, Project Management, Institutions like IIT (Chennai), NIT Karnataka, SV NIT-Surat and Various Expert Consultants in the field of Civil, Ports & Harbor Engg., Mechanical, Electrical, ; Infrastructure Etc; Resources for obtaining licenses for Setting up a Project; Resources for Setting up a Project; Resources for Establishing Infrastructure and Facilities; Supporting Architects to Engineers and Contractors; Manpower supply sources; Transport Logistics; and Adequate expertise in the Piling Works acquired during the professional service in the Port Sector, Govt. of India. Resourceful in Terms of Getting Right Sources for Entire Planning & Project Management.
Few of his Assignments Completed / on Hand after the Retirement are – Project Report for a Ship Repair Dock in New Mangalore Port for M/S WATER WAY SHIPYARD PVT. LTD., GOA in association with IIT, Chennai; Preparation of Tender Document for Setting up of Mechanical Iron Ore Handling Facilities for New Mangalore Port Trust on BOT Basis in association with Indian Ports Association, New Delhi; Worked as the Principal Consultant for M/S L & T for developing their Modular Fabrication Yard for their Off Shore Projects at NMPT; Consultant for many Builders in Mangalore in Planning and Monitoring the implementation of their Projects.
Worked as Head (Technical) for an Agro Processing Industries at Bangalore proposed to be set up at Dharwad with specific responsibility of developing a Detailed Project Report and Detailed Engineering for the said Mega Industry. The Proposal did not materialize due to problem in raising the Margin Money by the Promoters.; Worked as a Co-ordinator for LEIGHTON INDIA, an Australian Company in identifying a suitable Port either operating or to be developed for their Heavy Fabrication Yard proposed to be set up in India; Worked as Adviser to New Mangalore Port Trust with specific assignment of “Upgrading the Existing Road Net work”. Part of this Project is already implemented in record time; Prepared the Cost Estimate for the Pre-feasibility Report for Development of a Green field Port proposed to be developed at Bhavanapadu in Andhra Pradesh by GER Group, Bangalore; Appointed as Technical Adviser by M/S Yojaka (India) Private Limited, Mangalore for their Marine/Port related Works in Thannirbhavi Power Plant and Development of Mangalore Unit of Bharati Ship Yard, Civil Engineering Works at IIM, Kozhikode, Kendriya Vidyalaya and Construction of Quarters for Central Excise Department, Mangalore being executed by CPWD etc.
Ramakrishna’s future plans are- “Enjoy fairly good health and therefore keen in taking up positions in Companies developing Infrastructure in Ports on PPP Basis, Mega Industries, Infrastructure, Civil Construction Projects and Co-ordination, Consultancy and Monitoring the Implementation of Projects, etc”.
PANAMBUR RANGANATH AITHAL
Born on 19th March 1967 at Panambur, Ranganath Aithal studied at Sri Sathya Sai LokaSeva Junior College Alike-DK, and then completed Diploma in Civil Engineering at Karnataka Ploytechnic, Mangalore in 1987. Worked at “Artech Civil Engineers” Mangalore (now M/S Dharmaraj Associates), and later started his own profession as a Consulting Civil Engineer at his office “Aithal Associates-Mangalore since 1991.
He has successfully completed many Residential Villas, Apartments ,Commercial, Automobile workshops, Industrial ,School and temple Buildings in Mangaluru and Udupi Districts etc. He is the Past Secretary of earlier Civil Engineers and Architects Association Mangalore during 1994 to 1995, and later it was transformed to the present ACCE (I) Mangaluru;
As a Charter member of ACCE (I) Mangalore Centre in year 1997, he served as- Joint Secretary during 1999 to 2001; Secretary during 2001 to 2003; Vice Chairman during 2009 to 2011; Chairman of ACCE(I) Mangaluru during 2013 to 2015; Served many times as Governing Council member of ACCE(I) HQ; Life member of Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Engineers Association. He is a Ex Member of Rotary Club Mangalore North.
Married to Poornima, he is blessed with two sons, Shashank and Vishakha Aithal
LION Er P KISHORE RAO:
Lion P. Kishore Rao MJF, son of Late Smt. Prabha Rao and Late Shri Panambur Srinivas Rao, had his earlier education – at Ganapathi High School & St. Aloysius School, Mangalore. Got his Engineering Degree from Banaras Hindu University, Institute of Technology M.Tech. from KREC, Surathkal. Worked as Assistant Engineer (AE) AT Irrigation Department, Government of Karnataka from 1975 to 1980 was In charge of quality control at ‘Strengthening of Canals’ of Tungabhadra left bank canal and Major Irrigation Investigation of river projects in Mangalore. Joined K.R.E.C as Lecture from 1980 to 1983. Started his own Consulting Engineers firm “Srinivas Consultant” from 1980 till present.
His Major works are- Prem Sagar Apartment; Kasturi Ranga Apartment; Adonvi Towers; Gul Mohar Apartment; Pushpa Roopa Apartment; Kripakrithi Apartment; Pooja Apartment; Sadashiva Apartment; Twish Apartment; Chirag Apartment Biblios, Vandana Towers & Others. Industrial Buildings like Gurudev Industries ; MaL lean industries; Indian potash Pvt Ltd; and M/s. Aspinwala & Company, all of them in Baikampady. Many Independent Houses all around the district & Bangalore Builder of Silver Line apartments Worked as Contractor – ESKON CONSTRUCTIONS & under his own name Wealth Tax Valuer since last 10 years & valuer for bank since 1996. Approved in panel of Bank of Baroda, Indian Overseas Bank, Karnataka Bank Ltd & Corporation Bank. Urge to translate the hidden talents and to serve the society made him join Lions Club Mangalore in 1982.
He became the Club President, Melvin Jones Fellow, Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, District Chairman for Leos ; Youth Exchange; Leadership (4 times); Mission 30 ; Retention; Orientation (twice) ; District Cabinet co-ordinator ; District Cabinet Secretary and The District Governor in 2011-12 of District 317D. In 2016, He has been conferred the Life Membership by Lions Clubs International. He is amongst the only four Life Members of Lions district 317D. As the District Governor in 2011-12, under his Leadership several activities were done. One Lakh Trees were planted, 4 Cardiac Care Centres were inaugurated. As the major project of the year, a fully furnished Lions District Office at prime location in Mangalore was bought and started. 2 New clubsBelur & Shirthadi was extended. 2 New Leo clubs got started. 42 MJF’s were enrolled and a crematorium costing Rs 25 Lakhs Lions Mukthi Bhoomi was started as the District Lioness project during his term. It was an action packed, memorable, golden year for District 317D.
He was also a member of District Core Group of Trainers for PST Seminars, convener of the famous “Millennium Awards and Celebrations” and the organizing Secretary of the Multiple conference hosted by our District in 2000. He extended 4 new clubs. He is also a renowned former Jaycee and National trainer of Indian Junior Chamber. He had won best Joycee of the state in 1986 & Best President (runners up) of the state in 1984. His major contribution for setting up the Lions Burns Centre, Lions Kidney Foundation and Lions Dialyses Centre at the District Wenlock Hospital, Mangalore and the Youth Service Centre highly appreciated. It’s but natural that Awards came searching for him. His Lions Burns Centre secured him the ‘Best Project of the District Award’. He got the most prestigious ‘Lion of the year Award’ in 1999-2000 besides International President’s Leadership Medallion, Certificates, Pins, Extension Awards etc. Best Secretary, Best President, Best Editor, Supreme Excellence and Golden Supreme Excellence etc. are the other awards he got.
An orator par excellence, he has been a Master of Ceremony on many occasions. Extensive reading and playing Shuttle Badminton daily are his hobbies. His spouse Lioness Mallika Rao is also an active Lioness and now a Lion. She was the best Lioness President of the District and the Multiple. During her President ship, the first and the only Lioness Multiple Conference of the un-bifurcated Multiple was held in Mangalore in January 1995. She has also held the top post District Lioness Co-ordinator in 1998. She has won many awards n was the ‘Lioness of the year’ in 1997. She was the editor of the District Magazine ‘Lions Mangala’ in 2013-14 and the Lioness Advisor in 2014-15. She is an active member of ‘Mahila Sabha’ Samatha & W.W.C.
SHANKARANARAYANA K
Venkataramana Manolithaya, born on 22/12/1961 in Kajimoole, Bettampady, Puttur,DK. presently residing in Mangaluru. Married having one son, and one daughter . His are Hobbies are Reading Newspaper, Travelling.
He completed his Diploma in Civil engineering (K.P.T, Mangalore) in 1982, and has 20 year’s consulting engineer experience.
