Davanagere: University BDT Engineering College in Davanagere is set to celebrate its 75th anniversary (1951–2026) with a grand Amrit Mahotsava on May 29 and 30, with students, alumni, teachers and the principal actively involved in preparations on campus. Known as the ‘Heart of Central Karnataka’ and an ‘Education Hub’, the institution was established in post-independence India to promote technical education.
Historical Background
The college began in Davanagere and has since shaped thousands of students while steadily progressing. In the 1950s, when engineering colleges were few in the state, local entrepreneurs Brahmappa and Devendrappa Tavanappa donated Rs 1.5 lakh and land for the institution, which was later named BDT Engineering College. Initially functioning under government control, BDT — the first government engineering college in the state — started on August 7, 1951, with the Civil Engineering department housed in the municipal office. On September 24, 1956, the then Mysuru Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar inaugurated the main building. More courses were introduced in the following years.
Academic Growth
Mechanical and electrical engineering departments were added in 1957, followed by electronics and communication in 1967. Computer Science and Electronics and Instrumentation departments began in 1984. MTech programmes have been offered since 1987, while MBA and MCA courses started in 2011. A robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) department was introduced in 2024 to keep pace with evolving technology. The college, initially affiliated to Mysuru University, later came under Kuvempu University (1992) and Davanagere University (2009). On February 24, 2011, it became a constituent college of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi.
Accreditations and Infrastructure
The institution’s academic quality and faculty commitment were recognised by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). Following accreditations in 2001 and 2009, NBA accreditation for key departments has been extended until 2029. Under the Smart City project, a research building was constructed in 2022, and the ‘Amrit Mahotsav Bhavan’ was built in 2024 and inaugurated by Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot.
Dignitaries to Attend
VTU vice-chancellor S Vidyashankar said the Amrit Mahotsava will be attended by Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot and other elected representatives. The event will be inaugurated by the Vice President at 10 am on Friday. Alumni, including Prof TG Sitaram, former Chitradurga MP Janardhanswamy, MLA T Raghumurthy of Chellakere, and others are expected to take part.
