How Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Support Is Encouraging Cultural Exploration at Shivsrushti
- Gita Kapoor
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
Bringing history to life is not just about textbooks or classroom lessons—it’s about creating meaningful experiences that people can see, feel, and connect with. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation has taken a significant step in this direction by supporting Shivsrushti, the historical theme park in Pune dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. With a generous donation of ₹51 lakhs, the Foundation has made it possible for thousands of people to visit the park for a subsidised rate of just ₹50 between May 15 and July 15, 2025.
This move brings India’s past closer to today’s generation and reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to accessible learning and cultural awareness.
Making Culture More Accessible
Led by CA Abhay Bhutada, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation has always focused on causes that enrich communities and promote public engagement. The current initiative is in line with that mission—removing financial barriers so that more people can explore the inspiring journey of one of India’s most influential leaders.
Subsidising ticket rates helps not only in driving more footfall but also in encouraging interest among younger audiences, especially students who may otherwise miss out on such experiences due to cost.
Shivsrushti’s Purposeful Design and Educational Aim
Shivsrushti was built as a cultural learning centre rather than just a tourist attraction. Spread across 21 acres in Ambegaon Budruk, Pune, the park is the result of historian Babasaheb Purandare’s vision to make Shivaji Maharaj’s story accessible to the masses in an interactive and structured way.
Each section of the park presents a different phase or aspect of Shivaji Maharaj’s life. These installations are supported by modern presentation tools that create an immersive environment for all age groups.
Attractions That Create a Deeper Connection
Among the various attractions at Shivsrushti, the Time Machine Theatre stands out. This exhibit combines light, sound, and projection technology to offer a walk-through of critical moments in Shivaji Maharaj’s leadership.
Visitors can also explore:
Durg Vaibhav, where the strategic design and construction of forts are explained.
Ranangan, a section that showcases major battles and their significance.
Shrimant Yogi, which focuses on his spiritual discipline and moral grounding.
Sinhasanadhishwar, a space dedicated to his coronation and political reforms.
Other features like a replica of the Tulja Bhavani temple and the scenic Ganga Sagar lake provide additional cultural context, while the art gallery features rare paintings that depict his legacy in striking detail.
Online Ticketing and Enhanced Visitor Experience
To manage the surge in visitors expected during this two-month subsidy window, Shivsrushti will be offering tickets exclusively through its official website. This approach ensures better planning for families, school groups, and general visitors, along with proper crowd management.
The park’s air-conditioned interiors make it possible for guests to comfortably spend several hours exploring each exhibit. It’s this attention to visitor convenience that makes Shivsrushti an ideal outing for both educational institutions and individuals alike.
A Vision Strengthened by Responsible Philanthropy
Shivsrushti’s Chairman, Jagdish Kadam, has reiterated that the theme park was always meant to serve as a hub for awareness and historical understanding. The aim was never to commercialise the story of Shivaji Maharaj, but to preserve and share it with future generations.
The support of Abhay Bhutada and the Abhay Bhutada Foundation plays a central role in ensuring this vision is realised. By removing the economic barrier for a limited time, the Foundation allows for a wider audience to take part in an experience that is often seen as niche or reserved for the privileged.
Foundation’s Broader Impact on Learning and Community
The work of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation extends beyond this project. Known for distributing STEM kits and offering scholarships to students, the Foundation consistently identifies areas where access is unequal and takes steps to correct that imbalance.
This collaboration with Shivsrushti fits well within that framework. While earlier efforts have focused on science and education, this one puts the spotlight on history, values, and cultural pride. In every case, the common theme is to include rather than exclude.
More Than a Ticket Discount
While the ₹50 ticket may seem like a small detail, it holds much greater significance. It acts as an invitation—welcoming children, educators, families, and history lovers to take part in something larger than themselves. It invites them to understand how Shivaji Maharaj’s story is not just a part of the past, but a lesson in resilience, leadership, and thoughtful governance.
This effort by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation ensures that these lessons are no longer out of reach for those who couldn’t previously afford such experiences.
An Experience That Will Stay with Visitors
For many who attend during the subsidised period, this will be more than just a trip to a theme park. It will be a rare opportunity to connect with India’s cultural roots in a way that books alone cannot offer. Walking through the halls of Shivsrushti, watching events unfold in the Time Machine Theatre, and reflecting on centuries-old wisdom will leave a lasting impact especially on the younger generation.
Also Read: Abhay Bhutada Foundation Champions Cultural Accessibility with Subsidised Shivsrushti Entry
Conclusion
The decision by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation to contribute to Shivsrushti isn’t just about financial support—it is about reinforcing the importance of making knowledge available to everyone. Whether it’s science, education, or history, what matters most is that learning is open, inclusive, and engaging.
By ensuring low-cost access to this one-of-a-kind park, Abhay Bhutada and his Foundation are actively shaping a future where cultural understanding and pride are shared by all—regardless of their background.
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