The M. P. Birla Institute of Fundamental Research was founded as an educational, scientific and research institution to undertake studies in astronomy, pure and applied; carry out pedagogic research and impart education in astronomy; popularise astronomy through lectures and participate in astronomical seminars and conferences. It has been expanding the education and research facilities at its M. P. Birla Planetarium. It started the Post-Graduate Diploma Course in astronomy and planetarium sciences in which distinguished astronomers and observatory directors have delivered lectures. It has been running a Free Evening Course in Astronomy for more than three decades.