Technology, innovation key to nation's growth: Former President APJ Abdul Kalam

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam on Thursday called upon young engineers to develop new technologies for removing poverty and the overall development of the country.

Kalam, 83, was delivering a speech during the 12th Convocation of National Institute of Technology here.

He urged them to strive to be remembered for creating societal changes by removing poverty through new technologies.

He gave them an eight point oath and called on them to be enlightened citizens towards building the future knowledge society with innovation.

The former President referred to the latest Global Competitiveness Report where India is ranked at 60.

Kalam said if the country's status is to be improved, we need to promote excellence in technology.

"Excellence is not by accident. It is a process, where an individual or organisation or nation continuously strives to better oneself", he said.

During the speech he identified the technological breakthroughs in 2014 that contributed to the betterment of humanity.

He also discussed about breakthroughs in detail including the human embryonic stem cells technologies, convergence between space sciences, traction and rocketry technologies and internet of things (IOT).

A total of 1174 degrees were conferred and 803 candidates were present during the ceremony.