Sir.Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya also known as Sir M.V is a noted Visionary and is one of the Builders of Indian Economy. He was known as a “capital mathematician & a very good English Scholar “who possessed the “higher character”. Upon graduating as an engineer, Sir M.V took up a job with the Public Works Department (PWD) of Bombay and was later invited to join the Indian Irrigation Commission. He was good at Research, Planning and Development. Sir M.V completed various projects on irrigation, water supply systems, and drainage systems. The Governor of Bombay during those days, Lord Sandthrust complimented Sir M.V as “Most Able Engineer” at inauguration functions of Water Works around the city. Over the years A lot of ventures such as preparing Memorandums on Irrigation, furnishing well known working system known as Block System of Irrigation were taken up by Sir M.V.Soon he became one of the best officers among European and Indians within the Public Works Department
Formation of MVIRDC
Sir. M. Visvesvaraya had established the All India Manufacturers’ Organisation (AIMO) in 1941, with the objective of spurring industrial development. AIMO continuously initiated and organized several programmes and activities to achieve these objectives and in
the process, set up Chapters all over the country. Research and Development (R&D) being the backbone of industrial growth, Dr. Visvesvaraya was keen on establishing an R&D facility for Indian industry and economy. Mumbai, as the financial and commercial capital
of the country, seemed the obvious choice. The idea was vigorously pursued through AIMO with the government of the then Bombay State in the late 1950s, for suitable land for the project.
With the concept of WTC emerging strongly world over, the idea of incorporating it in India took root. A high level delegation from AIMO was formed to muster support from Minister for Industry, Mr.SK Wankhede .At its Annual General Meeting 1968, AIMO President,
Mr YA Fazalbhoy, put forth the concept to Prime Minister Ms. Indira Gandhi, who was the Chief guest. It found immediate favour with her and from then on the project proceeded at a quick pace. Well known architect Mr. Phiroz Kudianwala was commissioned to develop
the WTC plan overnight. AIMO Director General Mr.PL Badami and Financial Advisor to AIMO Industrial Foundation, Mr. D.R. Joshi, were nominated as the key persons to speed up the WTC proposal and present it to the government as well as to business and industry.
WTC Mumbai finally received the much needed impetus and Mr.Wankhede was nominated its first President.
Objectives
WTC Mumbai came into existence on June 26, 1970 and was registered under the Indian Companies Act,1956 under section 25 as a not-for-profit company called M Visvesaraya Industrial Research and Development Centre (MVIRDC),with the main objective being to conduct ‘Research and Development’ and the ancillary objective of ‘establishment of WTCs in India and abroad. The Maharashtra Government, Central Govt. and the private sector represent the Council of Management of (MVIRDC),popularly known as ‘Visvesvaraya Centre’. The Multipurpose Commerce Centre The commercial nerve-centre of the entire complex, the multi-storeyed Commerce Centre dominates the Visvesvaraya Centre complex and tower above the surrounding Bombay landscape. This is a common feature of World Trade Centres, symbolising a rising-above, a looking -out-and – beyond, to international understanding and co-operation.
The Multipurpose Commerce Centre
The commercial nerve-centre of the entire complex, the multi-storeyed Commerce Centre dominates the Visvesvaraya Centre complex and tower above the surrounding Bombay landscape. This is a common feature of World Trade Centres, symbolising a rising-above, a looking -out-and – beyond, to international understanding and co-operation.
The Commerce Centre houses the
Institute for industrial research
Library
Information centre with trade information services.
Offices of organizations connected with national and international industry and trade, state and regional agencies, customs and custom house brokers,steamship, rail, truck and air carriers, trade commissions, banks, financial and insurance services, trade service organizations.
Restaurants and cafeterias
Offices of the Centre
Conference and seminar rooms.
Membership
Membership of the Centre will be of special value to an entrepreneur. It not only provides access to world-wide trade information and facilities, but also widens the horizons by offering varied benefits as well as scope to extend into new areas. The membership is broad based to include all trade, business and industry. As a Member of MVIRDC World Trade Centre , one immediately becomes a member of the global network of around 330 World Trade Centres in 100 countries serving more than 750000 international businesses