Bengaluru, July 8 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, and BJP Karnataka State President B.Y. Vijayendra on Tuesday condoled the demise of Padma Shri awardee Girish Bharadwaj, the renowned engineer popularly known as the “Bridge Man” and “Visvesvaraya of Sullia,” describing his death as an irreparable loss to the state and to the cause of rural development.

It is worth noting that M. Visvesvaraya (Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya) was one of India’s greatest engineers and statesmen, renowned for his pioneering contributions to irrigation, flood control, and infrastructure development.

In separate condolence messages, the leaders paid rich tributes to Bharadwaj’s pioneering work in rural connectivity through the construction of suspension bridges, which transformed the lives of people living in remote, infrastructure-deficient regions across the country.

Shivakumar said the passing of Bharadwaj had come as a profound shock and termed it an irreparable loss to Karnataka. He said Bharadwaj had played a remarkable role in bringing about a connectivity revolution in rural India by constructing more than 140 suspension bridges across the country, providing vital access to villages cut off by rivers and difficult terrain.

The chief minister noted that Bharadwaj’s engineering excellence and selfless service earned him widespread admiration and the affectionate title of “Visvesvaraya of Sullia.” He prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

Deputy Chief Minister Parameshwara described Bharadwaj as a visionary engineer whose passing was an irreparable loss to the fields of science, technology, and social service. He said Bharadwaj’s contribution to rural India’s development and the transformation of rural connectivity was unparalleled.

Parameshwara said that by building more than 140 bridges across India, Bharadwaj had significantly improved connectivity and contributed to rural development. Remembering his simplicity and selfless service, he said the engineer had earned the enduring affection of the people, who fondly referred to him as the “Vishweshwaraiah of Sullia.” He also prayed that the Almighty grant the family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.

Expressing condolences on behalf of the BJP, state president and MLA Vijayendra said he was deeply saddened by the demise of the Padma Shri awardee. He said Bharadwaj’s vast technical expertise and commitment to public welfare enabled him to build hundreds of suspension bridges, bringing hope and connectivity to lakhs of people in rural areas.

Vijayendra said Bharadwaj’s achievements, dedication, and simplicity would always be remembered, adding that the distinguished son of Karnataka had earned recognition not only across India but also internationally. He prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family and admirers.

Bharadwaj was widely celebrated for designing and constructing low-cost suspension bridges that connected remote villages across India. His pioneering work in rural infrastructure earned him the Padma Shri and made him a symbol of engineering innovation dedicated to public service.

–IANS

mka/dan