Delivering his convocation address at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Hamirpur, Dr Kalam said the time has come for a drastic change in the traditional roles from a commander to coach.

He also highlighted issues of infrastructure development, energy generation and the need of safe drinking water for the masses in the country.

Kalam asked the institute to focus on emerging as a technical human resource provider for the state.

The NIT, he recommended, should adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education and also create a ‘energy independence plan’ for the district through micro-hydel plants, solar energy systems, bio-mass plants and wind power, besides dense afforestation to make it fossil fuel free.