Today in History, September 15: Indian Historical Events, Births, Deaths & Global Observances

September 15 is an important date in Indian history and is remembered for milestones in engineering, broadcasting, politics, literature and cinema. The day is particularly significant because India celebrates Engineers' Day on September 15 to mark the birth anniversary of eminent engineer and statesman Sir M. Visvesvaraya.

The date is also associated with the beginning of India's television broadcasting journey and the birth anniversaries of several prominent personalities.

September 15 in Indian History

Engineers' Day: Birth Anniversary of Sir M. Visvesvaraya

Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was born on September 15, 1861, in Muddenahalli in present-day Karnataka. He became one of India's most respected engineers and administrators. His contributions included irrigation, water-supply systems, flood protection and infrastructure development.

Visvesvaraya served as the Diwan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918 and played an important role in the development of industries and public infrastructure. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1955.

In his memory, September 15 is observed every year as Engineers' Day in India, recognising the contribution of engineers to technological and economic development.

Doordarshan Begins Experimental Television Service

Another major milestone associated with September 15 occurred in 1959, when India began experimental television broadcasting in Delhi. The first broadcast was inaugurated by then President Dr Rajendra Prasad.

The service initially operated on a small scale and focused on programmes related to education, community development and public information. It later developed into Doordarshan, India's public-service television broadcaster. Regular television service began in 1965.

Famous Indians Born on September 15

September 15 is the birth anniversary of several well-known Indians from different fields.

C. N. Annadurai (1909) was a prominent writer, orator and political leader who became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. His contribution to Tamil literature and politics remains significant.

Subramanian Swamy (1939) is an economist, academic and politician who has served in Parliament and held several important public positions.

Ramya Krishnan (1970) is a well-known Indian actress who has worked extensively in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada cinema.

Other personalities born on September 15 include filmmaker P. Vasu and squash player Joshna Chinappa.

Indian Politicians Born on September 15

The date is notable in Indian political history because of the birthdays of leaders such as:

• C. N. Annadurai (1909) - Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and influential Dravidian movement leader.
• Subramanian Swamy (1939) - Economist and politician.
• Bhupinder Singh Hooda (1947) - Former Chief Minister of Haryana.
• Ganesh Naik - Indian politician associated with Maharashtra.

Indian Cricketers Born on September 15

September 15 is also the birthday of several Indian cricketers.

Ashutosh Sharma, born on September 15, 1998, is a right-handed batter known for his aggressive T20 style and finishing ability. He has represented Madhya Pradesh and Railways in domestic cricket and has played in the IPL.

Swarupam Purkayastha, born on September 15, 1989, is an Indian all-rounder who has represented Assam in domestic cricket.

Other Indian cricketers associated with September 15 include Arslan Khan, Jatin Wadhwan, Prakash Seet and Sagar Mishra.

Notable Indians Who Died on September 15

September 15 is also remembered for the death anniversaries of notable Indians.

Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, a prominent political leader and administrator, died on September 15, 1967. He served as the first elected Chief Minister of Hyderabad State and later held gubernatorial positions, including Governor of Kerala and Uttar Pradesh.

K. V. Reddy, one of Telugu cinema's respected filmmakers, died on September 15, 1972. He is remembered for directing acclaimed films including Mayabazar.

K. S. Sudarshan, who served as the fifth Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, died on September 15, 2012.

International Day of Democracy

September 15 is observed globally as the International Day of Democracy. The day highlights the importance of democratic values, public participation, human rights and accountable institutions.

The observance is particularly relevant to India because democracy is an important part of the country's constitutional and political system. The Government of India has also highlighted September 15 as both Engineers' Day and the International Day of Democracy.

Why September 15 Is Important

September 15 brings together several important aspects of India's modern history. It honours Sir M. Visvesvaraya's contribution to engineering, marks the beginning of television broadcasting in India, and commemorates personalities from politics, cinema, literature and sports.

For students and competitive-exam aspirants, the key facts to remember are Engineers' Day, Sir M. Visvesvaraya, Doordarshan's first television broadcast in 1959 and the International Day of Democracy. The date therefore holds importance not only in Indian history but also in education, technology, communication and public life.