Final answer:
In India, a great engineer is seen as someone with strong technical skills in areas like statistics and physics, and soft skills such as critical thinking and effective communication. Commitment to ethical practices and life-long learning is also deemed essential.
Step-by-step explanation:
In India's mindset, a great engineer exemplifies a mix of technical prowess and social astuteness. The qualities of such an engineer include being a self-starter, motivated, and proactive, with a natural inclination to think outside the box. They must possess strong knowledge in statistics, mathematics, physics, and demonstrate critical thinking skills. Moreover, they should have an understanding of their role within the context of Major Engineering Societies and be able to work in multidisciplinary teams.
Given the historical context, such an engineer should also have the skills to navigate complex relationships with governmental bodies, understanding the social and economic conditions of their labor force. With India emerging as a global center for employment and outsourcing, including in customer services and information technology, the modern engineer should also be able to function in a globalized environment, cope with cultural diversity, and communicate effectively in multilingual teams.
Additionally, there is an expectation for an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems; an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility; an ability to design systems or processes meeting various constraints; and the commitment to life-long learning to remain at the forefront of technological advancements. In essence, a great engineer respects the balance between technological innovation and the economic, societal, and ethical implications of their work.