The University of Pune (UoP) should set up a laboratory where students from engineering streams can visit, play and carry out research work. There are various such 24X7 laboratories in other countries, said eminent radio astronomer Govind Swarup here on Thursday.

He was addressing the gathering as a chief guest on the occasion of the 62nd foundation day of the UoP on the varsity premises.

Swarup said it wouldn’t be possible for individual colleges or institutes to have such laboratories. “Hence, I want the UoP to take up the cause. I had written a letter on this issue to former vice chancellor Narendra Jadhav,’’ he said.

Swarup suggested that there should be comprehensive courses on selected subjects for the students so that they can acquire knowledge. “The UoP has taken up some good initiatives like MTech and PhD courses for industry and engineering colleges. I hope it takes up similar initiative for medical courses too,’’ he added.

The UoP bestowed the Jeevan Sadhana Gaurav Puraskar this year on veteran music composer Hridyanath Mangeshkar, environmentalist Madhav Gadgil, senior Marathi actor Ashok Saraf and veteran Dalit writer Namdev Dhasal.

Mangeshkar said Pune has produced many thinkers, social activists, freedom fighters, scientists and literati.

Gadgil said, “I developed an interest in environment when I was doing my graduation at Fergusson College and used to read magazines published by the UoP. I am a proud past student of this university”.

Dhasal spoke on how human traditions evolved and lamented the fact that the UoP has forgotten to include the Dalit syllabus in its curriculum. “I developed interest in literature when I was studying at New English School, Tilak Road,’’ he said.

On the occasion, the ideal teachers awards in various categories were presented. Non-teaching staff who had won prizes in various competitions were also felicitated.