HK Patil sees the need to establish an irrigation study center in honor of VV Deshpande

There is a need to set up an irrigation study center in the name of irrigation expert Vithalrao Vaikunthrao Deshpande either at Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi or Karnatak University, Dharwad, former Irrigation Minister HK Patil said in Dharwad on Sunday.

Mr. Patil called for setting up a center to take over research and extension activities in North Karnataka.

“It should be named after Deshpande to honor his outstanding contribution to irrigation development in the state,” he said.

“A study center in his name will help preserve his achievements and inspire future generations of engineers,” he said.

He was speaking at the birth centenary celebrations of late VV Deshpande organized in collaboration with various engineering associations at Alur Venkatrao Bhavan there.

Belonging to Haliyal in Uttar Kannada, Deshpande played a prominent role in several major irrigation projects including Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Bhadra and Kali. “However, despite his exceptional engineering contributions, we have failed to adequately recognize his services,” he said.

He admitted that even during his tenure as Water Resources Minister, not enough efforts were made to honor Deshpande’s legacy.

“I saw that the officials who worked with him fondly referred to him as Annadata. Apart from his technical expertise, Deshpande empowered farmers by helping to create the irrigation infrastructure necessary for agricultural prosperity. But he did not get the recognition he deserved from the administration and society,” he said.

He thanked the organizers for celebrating Deshpande’s birth centenary.

On behalf of the Deshpande family, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to retired engineer MB Parappagowda, while Jagadish Nandi received the Excellence in Construction Award.

Congratulating the award winners, MLA Arvind Bellad praised Rajan Deshpande for honoring his father’s legacy and encouraging engineering professionals through the awards.

Mr. Bellad noted that standards of integrity and excellence in society, administration and politics have declined over the years.

He said that the professional commitment and dedication of VV Deshpande should serve as an example for the present generation.

Senior engineers who worked with Deshpande including GC Tallur, BT Rajamane, PK Junjarwad, SS Bellunke, Satyanarayana, VS Chalageri and Vijaya Hiremath were honoured.

Hindustani singer Sangeetha Katti and Kulkarni Katti presented a musical tribute titled Swara Namana. Arun Sheelavant proposed a vote of thanks.

Published – 26 Oct 2026 20:32 IST