National Engineers Day 2024: Famous Indian Authors Who Are Engineers

National Engineers DayIndia’s Independence Day, celebrated annually on September 15, is a tribute to the contributions of engineers to society. In India, this day honors the birthday of one of India’s greatest engineers, Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya. Engineers are often seen as methodical and logical thinkers, but many of them also possess a creative side, which is reflected in their ability to tell compelling stories through literature. India has produced several famous engineers. Authors who began their careers in engineering but later found success in writing. Their technical backgrounds often bring a unique perspective to their stories, combining creativity with analytical thinking. Here, we celebrate National Engineer’s Day 2024 highlighting some famous Indian authors who are also engineers.

1. Chetan Bhagat

Chetan Bhagat is perhaps India’s best-known engineer-turned-author. A graduate in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, Bhagat initially worked as an investment banker. However, his passion for writing led him to publish his first novel, Five Point Someone, in 2004. The book, which humorously depicts the lives of three engineering students, became a bestseller and resonated with a wide section of Indian youth. Bhagat’s subsequent novels, including One Night @ the Call Center and 2 States, further cemented his reputation as a successful author. His stories, often set against the backdrop of modern India, have also inspired several Bollywood films.

2. Aravind Adiga

Aravind Adiga, best known for his Booker Prize-winning novel The White Tiger, is another example of an engineer who made his name in literature. Although Adiga studied English literature at Columbia University and Oxford, he began his academic career in the sciences, focusing on engineering before switching to literature. His engineering background is not immediately apparent in his novels, which explore social issues such as class disparity, corruption, and the struggles of the Indian underclass. Nonetheless, his analytical and observational skills, honed through his early engineering education, likely play a role in his ability to create such poignant and impactful narratives.

3. Anurag Mathur

Anurag Mathur, author of the popular novel The Inscrutable Americans, is another Indian author with an engineering background. Mathur studied engineering at the University of Iowa before venturing into writing. His novel, a humorous take on the experiences of an Indian student navigating American culture, struck a chord with readers, especially those familiar with the immigrant experience. Mathur’s ability to combine humor with cultural criticism is one of the key factors behind his success as a writer.

4. Ravi Subramanian

Ravi Subramanian is another prominent Indian author with an engineering background. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering and an MBA from IIM Bangalore. Subramanian worked in the banking sector for years before turning to writing. Known as the “John Grisham of banking,” Subramanian has written several best-sellers based on the financial world. His debut novel, “If God Was a Banker,” was a huge success, and his subsequent books, such as “The Incredible Banker” and “Bankerupt,” have cemented his place in the Indian literary world. His engineering background and experience in the corporate world provide him with a unique insight, which he skillfully incorporates into his fast-paced thrillers.

5. Durjoy Dutta

Durjoy Datta is an engineer who has made a significant mark in the world of romance and contemporary fiction. A graduate from Delhi College of Engineering and a postgraduate from MDI, Gurgaon, Datta wrote his first novel, “Of Course I Love You,” while still working in a corporate job. The success of his first book, co-written with Maanvi Ahuja, led him to take up writing full-time. Datta’s novels, which often revolve around themes of love, relationships and current affairs dilemmas, have a huge following among young Indian readers. His transition from engineering to writing demonstrates how creativity can flourish in even the most technical of minds.

6. Anuradha Bhattacharya

Anuradha Bhattacharyya is an acclaimed author and academic who holds a PhD in English literature but began her academic career with a degree in engineering. Her novel “One Word” won the best book of the year award in 2016, and she has also written several other books, including “The Road Taken.” Bhattacharyya’s engineering background is reflected in her precise and structured narrative, as well as the themes of self-discovery and empowerment that run through her work.

7. RK Narayan

Although RK Narayan is better known for his work in literature than engineering, he began his education focusing on the sciences, including engineering. Narayan’s stories, including the beloved “Malgudi Days,” provide a vivid picture of Indian life in the fictional town of Malgudi. His ability to observe human behavior with precision and clarity—a skill engineers typically possess—shines through his writing. Narayan’s works have become a staple of Indian literature, and his storytelling continues to inspire readers of all ages.

8. Sudha Murthy

A prolific writer in English and Kannada, Sudha Murthy is also an engineer by profession. She was one of the first women to work as an engineer at Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO). Over the years, Murthy has written a variety of books, including novels, children’s stories, and short story collections, often focusing on themes of simplicity, kindness, and the human spirit. Her engineering background has also played a role in her philanthropic work as the Chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. Murthy’s ability to balance her technical background with her passion for storytelling has made her one of India’s most beloved authors.

National Engineers’ Day The year 2024 is not just a celebration of the contributions engineers make to society but also a recognition of the versatility of the engineers’ mindset. Many Indian authors who started their journey in the engineering field have gone on to become successful writers, combining technical precision with creative storytelling. From Chetan Bhagat to Sudha Murthy, these authors prove that analytical thinking and problem-solving skills honed in engineering can translate into compelling narratives and impactful literature. As we celebrate Engineers Day, let us also recognise the engineers who have enriched Indian literature with their unique perspectives and stories.