A Civic Vision Rooted in Cultural Memory

Amid the rapid urban expansion of Pune, where glass towers and tech campuses dominate the skyline, Shivsrushti offers a stark and powerful contrast — a place where memory matters, where identity is not just remembered but actively explored. Spread over 21 acres in Ambegaon, this heritage park is dedicated to recreating the life, times, and teachings of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

But Shivsrushti is more than a tourist attraction. It is a civic institution in the truest sense — built not merely to entertain or educate, but to instill a sense of participatory history. Conceived by the late Babasaheb Purandare, the initiative stands as a testimony to what public memory can achieve when rooted in collective purpose. Through lifelike installations, immersive storytelling, and dramatic recreations, Shivsrushti becomes a living, breathing classroom of leadership, valor, and governance.

Reviving Civic Responsibility Through History

Civic education is often confined to textbooks and legal syllabi. Shivsrushti challenges this notion by positioning historical awareness as central to civic engagement. The life of Shivaji Maharaj is presented not as an abstract series of events, but as a roadmap for ethical leadership, people-first governance, and community unity.

The exhibits delve into his administration, his strategic acumen in warfare, and his inclusivity — especially his respect for all religions, his empowerment of women in leadership roles, and his dedication to protecting the weak. These values, embedded in historical narration, become civic lessons for every visitor, from students to professionals, from families to foreign tourists.

In this way, Shivsrushti offers more than nostalgia. It creates a conversation around responsibility — what it means to lead, to protect, to stand up for justice. It cultivates a civic consciousness rooted not in mere patriotism, but in deeply reasoned principles drawn from one of India’s most admired historical figures.

Also Read: The Significance of Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Donation to Shivsrushti

Public Access as a Cultural Right

What makes Shivsrushti especially significant is its approach to public access. This is not an elite institution. Its creators and supporters have worked to make it accessible to everyone, regardless of background, age, or income. For a cultural site of this scale — featuring 3D projections, fort reconstructions, and dramatic walkthroughs — that inclusivity is rare.

This ethos extends beyond architecture and into programming. Regular educational events, thematic performances, and student-led discussions make Shivsrushti a constantly evolving space. It’s not just a visit; it’s a return-worthy civic resource. The goal is clear: every individual should feel welcome to engage with the park’s lessons, and every community should find representation in its narrative.

The impact has been visible. Families report leaving with renewed pride in their roots. Educators say their students return more attentive, more aware of the values that underpin Indian democracy. Shivsrushti doesn’t impose lessons — it invites discovery.

Equal Opportunity Through Philanthropy: The Role of Abhay Bhutada Foundation

True civic spaces must be accessible — and this is where the Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s intervention has become essential. The Foundation, which has long prioritized educational equity and cultural inclusion, recognized early on that while Shivsrushti had the power to inspire, its reach needed to be broader.

Through a combination of funding, infrastructure support, and logistics coordination, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation has enabled thousands of people to experience the park. Their model is thoughtful: transportation is arranged, meals are provided, and culturally trained guides accompany each group, ensuring that every child receives context, care, and a voice.

The foundation is the brainchild of Abhay Bhutada, a prominent banker. He has a major humanitarian vision, focusing on ensuring holistic education for all sections of society. The donation to Shivsrushti is one undertaking to achieve this goal.

Also Read: Abhay Bhutada Foundation Brings Shivsrushti to Every Family 

A Space That Strengthens Social Fabric

One of Shivsrushti’s more subtle achievements is its role in promoting social cohesion. At a time when society often feels fragmented — by language, region, politics, or ideology — the park offers a narrative of unity. It portrays Shivaji Maharaj not just as a Maratha hero, but as a leader whose policies and governance uplifted diverse communities.

Visitors from varied backgrounds come here and see aspects of their own identity reflected in the narrative — whether it’s the valor of Shivaji’s mother Jijabai, the role of his trusted advisors across castes and religions, or the inclusive governance model that he pioneered. This diversity is not accidental; it is foundational to the park’s vision.

Shivsrushti has hosted public discussions on leadership, ethics, and history that draw participants from all walks of life. Students, historians, civil servants, and artists have all contributed to shaping it as a participatory civic space. In an increasingly digital world, it offers something real — a space to reflect, reconnect, and reaffirm the values that unite rather than divide.

Also Read: How the Abhay Bhutada Foundation is Preserving Shivaji Maharaj's Legacy

A Civic Blueprint for the Future

Shivsrushti is not just about honoring the past; it’s about shaping the future. As a civic project rooted in cultural memory, it exemplifies how heritage can be made relevant, inclusive, and actionable. By anchoring historical experience in public access and civic values, it becomes a template for how cities can nurture cultural literacy while advancing social equity.

The contribution of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation underscores what is possible when philanthropy focuses not just on funding infrastructure, but on expanding imagination — making sure that cultural wealth is shared wealth. In enabling students and families from all backgrounds to step into Shivsrushti’s world, the Foundation has affirmed a vital truth: access to history should not depend on privilege, but on the belief that every citizen deserves to know where they come from.

As Pune grows and transforms, Shivsrushti stands steady — a beacon of civic learning, cultural inclusion, and historical awareness. It’s not just a place to remember a great leader. It’s a place to rediscover what makes leadership great.