Indian former president Pranab Mukherjee on yesterday showed concerned on the topic of encouraging research, he mainly emphasised at the university level for the development of science and innovation. He told India has 753 universities, 16 IITs, 30 NITs and many Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISCERs) and they are doing a fine job but a lot needs to be done. There is "no scope of sitting on laurels", Pranab Mukherjee added.

"Basic fundamental research has to be developed in the country and particularly in the areas of higher education, especially at the university level...We must emphasise on quality education, development of science and equally emphasise on research and encourage innovative minds," Mukherjee stated.

The former president was speaking at the launch of a book based on former Union Minister for Electronics and chairman of the Electronics Commission MS Sanjeevi Rao.

Mukherjee has said the country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru throughout his life emphasised on nation-building and creating a scientific temperament among the people. "He established the Atomic Energy Commission and India became a nuclear power and under the prime ministership of Manmohan Singh it was recognised internationally as a nuclear power," Mukherjee said.

He said Nehru and his predecessors worked on the applicability of science to benefit the common people. "We are fortunate that all the prime ministers of the country, starting from Pandit Nehru, particularly Indiraji, Rajivji (Gandhi), Dr Manmohan Singh and many others have contributed very effectively in the development of science and technology," Mukherjee said. Recalling his association with Rao, Mukherjee said he and the former Electronics Minister worked together in Parliament and in the government.