Vishveshwaraya, Mokshagundam (1860 - 1962) Sir M.V. belongs to that small band of eminent Indians whose ideas and achievements have been among the truly creative and formative force of modern India. Sir M.V.'s slogan was Industrialize or Perish and Mahatma Gandhiji's view was Industrialize and Perish.

Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, popularly and afectionately known as Sir M.V., was born on August 28, 1860 in a village known as Muddenahalli in Chikballapur Taluk, Kolar District. His father died in Kurnool when Visvesvaraya was just 15 years old. Visvevaraya completed his lower secondary schooling in Chikballapur. After schooling he joined Central College in Bangalore for his graduation.

He lead a very simple life. He was a strict vegetarian and a teetotaller. He was known for his honesty and integrity. Also served as the Dewan of Mysore,

Some of the honours and laurels conferred on Sir M.V.,

1904 Honorary Membership of London Institution of Civil Engineers for an unbroken period of 50 years
1906 "Kaisar-i-Hind" in recognition of his services
1911 C.I.E. (Companion of the Indian Empire) at the Delhi Darbar
1915 K.C.I.E. (Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire)
1943 Elected as an Honorary Life Member of the Institution of Engineers (India)
1955 Conferred ' BHARATHA RATNA'(The gem of India), the highest dinstiction of the country
1959 Fellowship of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

Sir. M.V. died on April 12, 1962 at the age of 102 years, 6 months and 8 days. As per his wish, he was cremated in his brith place, Muddanahalli.