Kanpur: As institutions of higher learning face faculty crunch, President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday urged students who opt for higher education abroad to remain engaged with "often difficult and somewhat noisy democracy of ours."

Addressing the 45th convocation of IIT Kanpur, Mukherjee said to support major expansion of technical education, large budgetary provisions have been made for infrastructure development and research support to the faculty.

"While all these institutes are attracting good students, they are facing shortage of faculty," Mukherjee said.

He said while it is understandable that students go abroad for higher studies and to broaden their vision, they should retain the "sacred" link with their motherland.

Mukherjee also said the students should remember that the nation has invested in them and the education they have received have nurtured them into capable minds.

"You have a responsibility to this nation and its citizens. Remain engaged with this beautiful, complex, often difficult, and somewhat noisy democracy of ours. Be involved with the issues confronting the society. Stand for the needy ... Take the lead in ushering in the transformation," the President said.

The President honored Infosys Founder and Executive Chairman N R Narayana Murthy and noted theoretical physicist Ashoke Sen with Doctor of Science.

Mukherjee also presented medals and certificates to students.

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