Thanjavur (TN), Sep 25 (PTI) The programme of linking major rivers in the country would be completed in 10-15 years, President A P J Abdul Kalam today said.
In the first phase, linking of rivers in southern states could be taken up, he suggested while delivering the valedictory address of the silver jubilee celebrations of Tamil University here.

Kalam also launched the website of the Tamil University and received a book on the university's vision for the next decade.

Pointing out that Tamil was a very rich and one of the oldest languages, he said the university could publish Tamil version of science books from other languages every year.

Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala presided over the function.

Earlier, dedicating the Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Bio-Materials and launching the five-year integrated MSc, BEd and MCom courses at the SASTRA deemed university near here, the President called for commercialisation of nanotechnology.

He spoke at length about the importance of science and technology for the country's development.

Kalam also participated at a function organised by the Periyar Maniammai Educational Trust on PURA activities in the Muthuveeran Kandiyanpatti village near here.