"Fortunately, the central theme of our nuclear doctrine has become "no first use". It was born out of the civilisation of our heritage," Kalam said, delivering the 21st convocation address of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, a deemed University here.

Giving an example of how software solutions, knowledge and enthusiasm can work with hardware constraints, he recalled how years ago an Indian task team came out with technical solution in eight months after developed nations denied high accuracy gyros for the country's Prithvi and Agni missiles.

"We have to work for high end software which will bring more value addition. Also, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) foundries should be continuously upgraded to the submicron level," he stressed.

To keep these foundries going, one of the major requirements was high purity VLSI grade silicon material, Kalam said, adding, the country should have this facility and investment should take place in the critical area.

Speaking on strategic sectors, the President said while nuclear, space and defence technology has witnessed growth, other areas like advanced sensors and materials would need a push. "The nation has a plan for 70 per cent near self-reliance in a decade in defence equipment," he added.

The President called for networking of rivers for balanced development in the country.

Noting that the nation has to educate nearly 300 million young minds, Kalam said a time-bound programme to accomplish value-based education throughout the country has to be in place, since education is not merely imparting of information and skills.

Sri Sathya Sai baba, who is the Chancellor of the University, gave the benedictory address of the function held at the spiritual centre of Prashanti Nilayam, his abode. The "Godman" spoke about truthfulness, righteousness, divinity and the need to discharge one's duties. He exhorted the students to give up the idea of going abroad and called upon them to serve in the country.