Cultural Inclusion Strengthened by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Support for Shivsrushti
- Atharava Agnihotri
- May 23
- 4 min read
Heritage becomes meaningful only when it is accessible to the people it belongs to. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation has taken a thoughtful step in this direction by funding a subsidy for ticket prices at Shivsrushti, the historical theme park in Pune. With a donation of Rs 51 lakhs, the Foundation has enabled ticket costs to drop to just Rs 50 for all visitors from May 15 to July 15, 2025.
This effort reflects the Foundation’s commitment to education, heritage preservation, and social upliftment. Abhay Bhutada, the Foundation’s founder, continues to demonstrate how focused philanthropic action can help bridge gaps in access to culture and learning.
A Step Towards Making Culture Inclusive
The decision to support subsidised tickets is rooted in a simple yet powerful idea—every individual should have the chance to connect with history, no matter their financial background. The reduction in ticket price makes it possible for school students, parents, teachers, tourists, and senior citizens to explore a culturally rich experience without burdening their budgets.
Many cultural institutions often remain under-visited because of cost. This initiative by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation aims to change that by opening up historical learning for all.
Shivsrushti’s Immersive Setup and Vision
Shivsrushti is a specially designed theme park inspired by the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Envisioned by late historian Babasaheb Purandare, the park seeks to preserve and promote the values, leadership, and legacy of Shivaji Maharaj. It spans across 21 acres, offering a range of exhibits that showcase different aspects of his life and rule.
Through storytelling, visuals, and interactive experiences, Shivsrushti invites visitors to learn by seeing and experiencing, not just reading. The Foundation’s contribution ensures that this valuable journey is no longer out of reach for the general public.
Blending Comfort with Historical Learning
The park offers a mix of technology-driven features and traditional themes. Its Time Machine Theatre uses innovative projection techniques and sound to recreate events from Shivaji Maharaj’s life, helping visitors feel as though they are part of history.
The space is air-conditioned and designed to accommodate visitors comfortably, regardless of weather. This makes it an ideal learning destination for school groups, families, and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Attractions That Tell Real Stories
Shivsrushti is divided into various segments, each designed to highlight a key element of Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.
Durg Vaibhav explains the construction and importance of forts.
Ranangan presents key military victories and strategic insights.
Shrimant Yogi offers a quiet look into Shivaji’s spiritual discipline and guiding values.
Sinhasanadhishwar takes visitors through his administrative and political decisions.
The site also includes symbolic replicas, such as the Tulja Bhavani temple and Ganga Sagar lake, along with a rich collection of rare visuals and artwork that capture the tone and spirit of Shivaji’s era.
Easy Access Through Online Booking
To ensure a smooth experience during this subsidised period, the park has enabled online booking via its official website. This allows visitors to plan their trip in advance, avoid queues, and enjoy a more organised visit.
The streamlined digital process also helps with crowd management, keeping the experience pleasant and safe for all.
Shivsrushti’s Leadership Welcomes the Initiative
Jagdish Kadam, Chairman of Shivsrushti, expressed gratitude for the Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s timely support. He emphasised that this move is helping the park reach its intended purpose—to make the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj known and felt across different layers of society.
The partnership is not just about funding. It’s about extending the park’s core message—one of valor, justice, and inclusiveness—to everyone, not just a privileged few.
The Foundation’s Longstanding Values
This is not the first time the Abhay Bhutada Foundation has championed an initiative with public interest at its core. From education to health and now cultural inclusion, the Foundation’s work has always revolved around creating opportunity where it is most needed.
By supporting Shivsrushti, it continues to act on its belief that social development is only meaningful when knowledge and awareness are within
reach of the common person.
When History Becomes a Shared Experience
Often, visits to places like museums and cultural parks are limited to school outings or well-off tourists. But by making it affordable for everyone, this initiative brings history into the everyday lives of citizens.
When more people get to walk through exhibits, listen to stories, and witness inspiring moments from India’s past, the value of such spaces increases. It becomes not just a tour—but a conversation between generations.
Conclusion
The Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s support of Shivsrushti is a significant example of philanthropy that meets real social needs. With this one move, the Foundation has connected countless people with their cultural roots, without asking them to stretch their pockets.
Abhay Bhutada’s belief in purposeful giving continues to shine through initiatives like this, proving that when knowledge and history are made accessible, they become tools of empowerment. The story of Shivaji Maharaj now has more listeners, more admirers, and more learners—thanks to a gesture that puts inclusion first.
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