Abhay Bhutada Foundation Helps Bring Shivsrushti’s Historical Experience to More People
- Ravi Kohli
- May 26
- 4 min read
Shivsrushti, Pune’s prominent theme park based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, will now be more accessible to the public thanks to a donation of Rs 51 lakhs by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation. This funding will reduce ticket prices to just Rs 50 from May 15 to July 15, 2025. The aim is to help more families, schools, and individuals visit the park without being held back by cost.
This step is part of the Foundation’s wider goal of improving access to educational and cultural resources across communities.
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Encouraging Learning Through Cultural Experiences
The donation is directed at making Shivaji Maharaj’s story and principles easier to access for everyone. Created in line with the vision of historian Babasaheb Purandare, Shivsrushti is an immersive learning space that uses storytelling, art, and technology to present India’s history in an understandable format.
Through this support from the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, the park is expected to welcome many more visitors—especially children and youth—who can now gain exposure to history outside of books.
Comfortable and Modern Presentation of History
Built across a sprawling 21-acre area, Shivsrushti combines cultural education with modern-day comfort and visual engagement. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Time Machine Theatre, which uses holographic projection and layered effects to recreate important moments from Shivaji Maharaj’s life.
The park is completely air-conditioned and designed to offer an uninterrupted experience even during hot summer days. This thoughtful setup makes the experience comfortable for all, from young students to elderly visitors.
Educational Zones that Highlight Leadership and Legacy
The theme park is divided into thematic sections that allow guests to explore different aspects of Shivaji Maharaj’s contributions:
Durg Vaibhav explains the technical brilliance behind fort designs and the thought that went into defensive architecture.
Ranangan revisits important battles and tactics, presenting Shivaji Maharaj as a military leader with a deep sense of strategy.
Shrimant Yogi looks into his spiritual beliefs and the guidance he drew from philosophy and values.
Sinhasanadhishwar details the significant event of his coronation and his role in shaping administrative policies.
Visitors can also see a replica of the Tulja Bhavani temple and walk along Ganga Sagar, a man-made lake within the park. The art gallery displays rare and high-quality paintings that narrate important events from the Maratha king’s journey.
To ensure convenience and crowd control, tickets during this subsidised phase will only be available through Shivsrushti’s official website.
Abhay Bhutada’s Support for Accessible Culture
Chairman of Shivsrushti, Jagdish Kadam, stated that the entire park was built to promote the values, achievements, and vision of Shivaji Maharaj to a larger audience. With this donation, Abhay Bhutada—founder of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation—has helped extend that mission further by removing financial barriers for thousands of visitors.
This contribution ensures that awareness of Shivaji Maharaj’s impact is not limited to history books but is brought to life in an engaging, visual setting for a diverse group of people.
Prioritising Purpose Over Publicity
The Abhay Bhutada Foundation has always aligned its work with efforts that offer tangible community benefit. Rather than focusing on short-term visibility, the Foundation supports causes that offer long-term social returns. This includes its work in education, student development, and now, cultural outreach.
Supporting Shivsrushti reflects that same purpose—to bring knowledge, pride, and inspiration to as many people as possible.
Experiencing History as a Shared Public Resource
Cultural places like Shivsrushti play a vital role in helping people understand their identity and history. By reducing the ticket price, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation is ensuring that this experience is available to everyone, not just those who can afford it.
It also encourages families and schools to plan educational trips that help children learn in a more interactive way. The exhibits serve as visual lessons, making historical knowledge more meaningful and easier to retain.
Building Curiosity and Encouraging Visits
With the lower pricing in place, the number of visitors is expected to rise during the two-month window. Schools, colleges, and local families are already expressing interest. With all bookings routed through the official site, crowd management and safety will be easier to handle.
The initiative could also serve as a model for other cultural spaces in India looking to expand their reach with the support of mission-driven foundations.
Also Read: The Journey and Rise of Abhay Bhutada
Conclusion
The Rs 51 lakh donation from the Abhay Bhutada Foundation to Shivsrushti is a reminder of how strategic giving can help more people experience the richness of India’s past. It lowers financial barriers and brings historical learning closer to the community. Through this act, Abhay Bhutada continues to show how focused philanthropy can help preserve culture and make education more inclusive. The move ensures that the life and values of Shivaji Maharaj can reach more hearts and minds, strengthening cultural pride across generations.
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