Pune: Renowned astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar, speaking at the 111th convocation ceremony of Savitribai Phule Pune University on Friday, said not a single university in the country is free of politics.He added that bureaucracy and red tape create hurdles in research work in national research institutes.In all, 7,130 undergraduate and postgraduate students accepted their degrees on Friday from the university.Narlikar, while delivering his convocation address which took place for the first time in the newly constructed hall in the main building, said, "In recent times, we hardly find academicians or greats who fight for knowledge, who impart knowledge without expecting any returns, who appreciate excellence or those who are content about their financial returns. It is a fact that not a single university in the country is free of politics. Beyond universities, the several national research institutes in the country are plagued by bureaucracy, red tape, complacent attitude and lethargy. It is natural that even students take inspiration from these teachers and follow the same lessons."The astrophysicist said there was dire need to change the current situation. "Even today, we have few but real scholars who are masters in arts, science and commerce fields and society respects them. It is fortunate that society still appreciates excellence."Aadhaar number, photo on degree certificatesVice-chancellor of the university Nitin Karmalkar gave a review of the varsity achievements during the year.It was Karmalkar's first convocation as VC. Karmalkar said, "To avoid malpractices of fake degrees, the SPPU from this year onwards has added the student's Aadhaar number and photograph on the degree certificates, as per the guidelines of the University Grants Commission."

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