Being an engineer always provided a possibility of getting a decent job, but the trend was accentuated after the advent of IT Services companies thriving on outsourced work. This in conjunction with a large number of private engineering colleges setup in the 1990's, meant engineering became an easy ticket to getting a decent paying job. And at the end of the day, money matters especially in a poor country. (Btw I'm an Indian living near Delhi, before someone thinks I'm just trying to bash the country.)
On the positive side, things are changing for better. Post economic liberalization in 1991, there are plenty more opportunities for young (& old) people to earn a good living. Overall, economic development coupled with information revolution are paving the way for this and the future generations to take more risks and do what they want, rather than worry about basic necessities of the life.
I was around 10 in 1991, and I have literally seen things/attitudes change in front of my eyes. (May be everyone thinks the same ..). I am very hopeful and optimistic that more people would now start getting in to different things/professions.