Recognised for his work in history and non-fiction writing, Professor Aparajith Ramnath’s recent achievement brings attention to the link between academic research and public knowledge, while highlighting the life of one of India’s most respected engineers.
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A Big Award for Important Work
Aparajith Ramnath, Associate Professor at the School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University, has received the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards 2026 in the Books (Non-Fiction) category. He was honoured for his book Engineering a Nation: The Life and Career of M. Visvesvaraya, which is based on detailed research about Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya.
The award shows the importance of Ramnath’s work in explaining both the personal life and career of Visvesvaraya. It also looks at how his work helped shape India’s growth. The book places his life within the larger story of how the nation developed over time.
The Story Behind a Great Engineer
The book explores why Sir M. Visvesvaraya is still remembered today. He was an engineer, administrator, and leader whose birthday is celebrated as Engineers’ Day. Ramnath studies the skills, experiences, and time period that shaped his life and success. The biography is based on seven years of research done in India and other countries. It uses letters, technical papers, newspapers, and records from institutions.
This helps present a clear and simple story of his life. Through this work, Ramnath shows how Visvesvaraya’s role went beyond engineering. He also contributed to governance, infrastructure, and the growth of modern India. The award highlights the importance of such research in helping people understand history and leadership in a better way.
The Takeaways
This highlights how research-based learning builds deeper understanding beyond textbooks. It shows the value of combining history, analysis, and real-world impact, helping learners develop critical thinking, curiosity, and a stronger connection to India’s development journey.
