Why Shivsrushti Must Be Preserved for Generations to Come

 Heritage is more than a matter of pride—it’s a matter of continuity. Across centuries, civilizations have left behind clues of who they were, not just through ruins and manuscripts, but through the values and stories they chose to preserve. In India, one such powerful story is that of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and in Pune, that story finds a breathtaking retelling through Shivsrushti—a cultural mega-project designed to bring his life, leadership, and ideals to life.

Conceived by legendary historian Babasaheb Purandare, Shivsrushti stands as a physical manifestation of years of research and devotion. Spread across 21 acres in Ambegaon Budruk, it is not merely a museum or theme park—it is a living canvas where the past meets present, designed to educate, inspire, and awaken a deep appreciation for India’s roots.

And yet, like all great institutions of culture, its future depends on the attention—and support—it receives today.

Shivsrushti: More Than a Monument

What sets Shivsrushti apart is its immersive approach to storytelling. Rather than displaying static artefacts, it invites visitors to experience the era of Shivaji Maharaj. With detailed reconstructions of forts, lifelike sculptures, sound-and-light shows, and interactive displays, the park creates a rich and engaging narrative of 17th-century Maharashtra.

Every structure here has been meticulously designed, using historical accounts to recreate not just the battles and victories, but also the values that defined Shivaji Maharaj’s leadership—strategic acumen, administrative foresight, respect for women, and commitment to Swarajya. In doing so, Shivsrushti becomes more than a cultural space—it becomes a civic classroom.

However, the effort to build and maintain this institution is immense. With an estimated project cost of ₹438 crore, Shivsrushti is being developed in phases, each one aiming to expand and enrich the visitor experience. The vision includes 4D theatres, museums, archives, food courts, and public gathering spaces—all with a focus on educational and cultural immersion.

But vision alone is not enough. Sustaining a cultural project of this magnitude requires ongoing financial support, public interest, and institutional backing. Without that, even the most meaningful spaces risk falling into disrepair or obscurity.

Also Read: Reviving a Timeless Vision With Shivsrushti

The Impact of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Support

That’s why the Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s ₹51 lakh donation in June 2025 came at a pivotal time. Recognizing the importance of making history accessible to all, the Foundation stepped in with the specific goal of subsidizing ticket prices. Thanks to this support, Shivsrushti has reduced its entry fee to ₹50 per person until July 15, making it significantly more affordable for families, students, and local visitors.

The immediate impact was striking. Attendance surged, and for many schoolchildren from nearby rural areas, it was their first visit to a cultural space of this scale. Families that might have otherwise hesitated due to cost were now able to immerse themselves in a shared experience of learning and pride.

To handle the increased footfall, the management introduced an online ticket booking system, further streamlining access and making it easier for people to plan their visits. But more importantly, this initiative by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation showed how meaningful philanthropy can remove barriers and bring history to life for broader audiences.

Also Read: Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Contribution Transforms Shivsrushti into a Cultural Beacon 

Why Cultural Access Matters

Culture is most powerful when it is shared. When heritage is locked behind high ticket prices or limited visibility, it becomes exclusive—detached from the very communities it is meant to uplift. By subsidizing access, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation helped democratize the Shivsrushti experience, reinforcing the idea that history belongs to everyone, not just a select few.

This matters especially for younger generations, who often engage with history through digital snippets and social media soundbites. A space like Shivsrushti challenges that passive consumption. It invites them to walk through time, to feel, see, and imagine—making history relevant, personal, and memorable.

Such experiences are crucial in building informed citizens, ones who understand not just the facts of their country’s past but the values it stood for. And when institutions like Shivsrushti are made accessible, they become catalysts for deeper public dialogue and stronger cultural identity.

A Shared Responsibility

The Foundation’s contribution is a strong example of how private support can help fulfill public missions. But it cannot be a one-time effort. For Shivsrushti to continue thriving, it requires long-term collaboration between donors, government agencies, educators, and the local community.

Corporate social responsibility programs can fund school trips, sponsor educational kiosks, or support conservation efforts. Citizens can volunteer, promote awareness, or contribute to fundraising campaigns. Cultural institutions survive—and thrive—when the people they serve see themselves as stakeholders in their future.

Also Read: A Living Tribute to Maharashtra’s Glorious Past 

Conclusion: Preserving What Shapes Us

Shivsrushti is not just a park—it is a vision of what cultural memory can look like when given space, creativity, and support. It is a tribute to leadership that was rooted in ethics and empowerment, and a reminder that our past holds lessons still deeply relevant today.

The Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s ₹51 lakh donation has proven how a focused intervention can make history more inclusive and accessible. By subsidizing ticket prices, the Foundation helped hundreds—if not thousands—of people connect with their heritage in meaningful, tangible ways.

In doing so, it has set an example for what it means to care for culture—not as something to be preserved behind glass, but something to be lived, shared, and celebrated. Shivsrushti belongs to all of us. And with collective will, it can continue to echo through time for generations to come.