Shibpur (West Bengal), Jan 19 (IANS) India has a shortage of research manpower in strategic areas such as space technology, atomic energy, defence and medicine, said President Pranab Mukherjee Saturday and urged students to address nation's problems.

"Quite often, I have observed that there is a deficiency of research manpower in strategic areas like space technology, atomic energy, defence, as well as in basic engineering research in medical technology, and environmental science and technology," he said at the 15th convocation of Bengal Engineering and Science University in Howrah district.

"It is always a pleasure to be amongst young people. Your energy, determination, aspiration at this stage must be channelised, to address problems that people of our nation are facing, in a result-oriented manner," he said.

The president urged the students to be proactive in society building and help preserve traditions and heritage of the country.

"I take upon this opportunity to call upon you to be proactive in building our society but without forgetting our heritage and tradition of tolerance, mutual respect and inclusive approach in achieving our developmental goal," he said.

The president reminded the students that they should strive to exploit technology to improve the lot of the common man, especially the underprivileged.

"I would like to remind you, as you break the frontiers of science and discover new technology, your efforts would be truly valuable if they bring efficiency to our industry, comfort in the daily lives of our people and wipe the tears of the most challenged of our countrymen," he said.

Emphasising on the need for continuous modernisation of the institution, Mukherjee said the students and faculty must continue collaborating with their national and international counterparts.

"Students and faculty members must continue regular interaction and collaboration with their counterparts in India and abroad.

"The university should focus in developing technology and making it consumer friendly that would always benefit the public," he said.

Urging students and faculty members to maintain a symbiotic relationship with industry, he said: "Wherever there is a focus on developing technology and making it consumer-friendly, it will always benefit our people".