Kozhikode: President A P J Abdul Kalam, on September 25 stressed the importance of transparency in politics and said this goal could be achieved by making the best use of developments in information technology.

"By bringing in transparency in the political process, the country can achieve overall progress with able support from Information Technology," the President said while interacting with students and faculty at the Indian Institute of Management in Kozhikode.

Addressing a convocation ceremony at the Calicut University earlier in the day, the President wanted Kerala to focus on e-education that was the core content of the knowledge power so as to tap its inherent strength.

Eminent jurist Justice (Retd) V R Krishna Iyer, celebrated artist M F Hussain and University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman Arun Nigavkar were conferred honorary doctorates at the function by Kerala Governor Sikander Bakht. Hussain's secretary and biographer Rasheeda Siddiqi received the D.Litt on behalf of the artist.

Kalam also dedicated to the nation the state-sponsored Food Processing Park at Kakkanchery and inaugurated the Medicinal Plant Research Centre at the Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala in Malappuram district.

The President left for Kochi, where he would be addressing global chief executive officer's (CEO) meet organized as part of the 50th birthday celebrations of Mata Amritanandamayi.

PTI