Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Support Elevates Shivsrushti into a Living Classroom

Just a short drive from Pune lies Shivsrushti, a cultural park where history comes alive in full scale. Under the care of the Maharaja Shivaji Maharaj Smarak Samiti and curated by historian Babasaheb Purandare, visitors pass through intricately built fort replicas and dynamic multimedia exhibits. Carefully placed pathways lead through grand tableaux and interactive stations that invite every guest to step into Shivaji Maharaj’s world and experience India’s heritage firsthand.

Strategic Support for Lasting Impact

The Abhay Bhutada Foundation, guided by philanthropist Abhay Bhutada, has consistently championed education, community development, and youth initiatives. Their recent major contribution to Shivsrushti covers more than bricks and mortar. Funds have been earmarked for continuous maintenance, commissioning fresh exhibits, and upgrading visitor facilities. This robust backing ensures that the park remains an engaging, well-preserved venue for immersive cultural experiences.

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Blending Craftsmanship with Digital Flair

What sets Shivsrushti apart is its seamless integration of traditional artistry with modern technology. Stone fort replicas stand alongside augmented reality zones where visitors can watch historic battles overlayed on physical landscapes. Projection mapping brings royal courts to life with colour and motion, while touchscreen displays offer deeper insights into strategic decisions. The result is a richly layered storytelling environment that appeals to both young and old.

Making Culture Accessible

True to the Foundation’s mission of inclusion, Shivsrushti offers reduced admission rates for school outings and families from lower-income backgrounds. In addition, a fleet of mobile heritage vans—fitted with scaled models and interactive tablets—travels to remote villages and urban pockets, ensuring that even those who cannot visit the park can engage with Maharashtra’s history. These outreach efforts remove financial and geographic obstacles to heritage education.

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Interactive Learning Opportunities

Shivsrushti encourages visitors to become active participants in history lessons. Through hands-on workshops, students build miniature cannons, create traditional banners, and write short dramaturgy pieces inspired by historical events. Role-play exercises cast participants in leadership roles, prompting lively debates on administration, strategy, and ethics. These immersive sessions reinforce learning outcomes while making history fun and memorable.

Strengthening Local Economies

The Foundation’s contribution extends into local livelihoods. Young residents receive specialized training to serve as tour guides, gaining skills in presentation and storytelling. Regional artisans are contracted to craft and maintain exhibits, preserving time-honoured techniques and providing stable work. This inclusive approach ensures that the economic benefits of Shivsrushti’s success are shared with surrounding communities.

Inspiring Broader Philanthropy

By championing a cultural initiative like Shivsrushti, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation underscores the importance of heritage preservation. Their example encourages other philanthropists and businesses to consider similar investments in museums, archives, and cultural centres. A united effort can create a network of institutions safeguarding India’s past for the enrichment of all citizens.

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Upholding Enduring Principles

Every feature of Shivsrushti illustrates a key principle of Shivaji Maharaj’s rule: visionary leadership, compassionate governance, and unwavering integrity. Visitors learn how he blended military prowess with social welfare, honoured religious plurality, and enforced fair justice. These stories spark reflection on how those same values remain relevant in today’s social and political landscape.

Planning for Future Generations

Thanks to the Foundation’s endowment, Shivsrushti can look ahead with ambitious expansion plans. Concepts under review include a digital archives centre, a performance pavilion, and cultural exchange programmes abroad. Such foresight positions the park as a model for sustainable growth and continued innovation in cultural education.

A Lasting Partnership

The synergy between Shivsrushti and the Abhay Bhutada Foundation is built on shared vision rather than a one-off gift. Collaborative ventures with educational institutions and community groups will sustain momentum through research grants, student symposiums, and annual cultural festivals. This evolving partnership ensures that Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy continues to inspire leadership, creativity, and civic pride.