How the Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Contribution to Shivsrushti Makes a Lasting Difference

For countless students and families, the narrative of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has long remained confined to textbooks and classroom lectures. However, from May 2025, the opportunity to experience this legacy in a tangible, engaging setting has been significantly expanded. Shivsrushti, an extensive historical theme park in Pune, now offers affordable access to visitors thanks to a substantial contribution of ₹51 lakh by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation.

Between May 15 and July 15, 2025, entry to the park will cost a nominal ₹50, ensuring that the cost of a ticket does not become a barrier for children and families who wish to engage with this vital chapter of India’s history.

A Commitment to Experiential Learning

The Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s decision to support this initiative stems from its founder’s firm belief that genuine understanding grows stronger when people step beyond written text and witness history first-hand. Abhay Bhutada, founder of the Foundation, maintains that the lessons of leadership, courage, and good governance exemplified by Shivaji Maharaj are best appreciated when they are experienced in an authentic and interactive environment.

By reducing the entry fee, the Foundation enables thousands of students to observe, reflect, and relate to the Maratha empire’s story in ways that classroom teaching alone cannot achieve.

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Sustaining a Historian’s Vision

Shivsrushti is the realisation of a vision championed by the late Babasaheb Purandare, a historian renowned for his lifelong efforts to chronicle and share the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj. His aspiration was to build a living memorial where visitors could walk through carefully recreated scenes from the 17th century and gain a true sense of the Maratha empire’s grandeur and values.

Today, under the leadership of Jagdish Kadam, Chairman of Shivsrushti, the park stands as a testament to Purandare’s enduring commitment. Spread over 21 acres, the park uses modern techniques alongside traditional displays to ensure that the stories told are not only accurate but immersive.

Modern Storytelling with Historical Roots

One of Shivsrushti’s most remarkable features is its integration of advanced presentation technology with heritage storytelling. A prime example is the Time Machine Theatre, which opened its doors earlier in 2025. This dedicated space uses special effects, holography, and visual mapping to depict pivotal moments from Shivaji Maharaj’s life in vivid detail.

For students, this theatre transforms static historical facts into dynamic narratives. School visits to the park have increased steadily, as teachers recognise the educational advantage of such powerful visual storytelling that complements conventional curricula.

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Showcasing Military and Administrative Excellence

Beyond the theatre, Shivsrushti offers visitors the chance to explore significant aspects of the Maratha empire’s military and administrative strengths. Zones such as Durg Vaibhav and Ranangan demonstrate the strategic brilliance behind the design and defence of the empire’s forts. Here, visitors can study intricate models that illustrate how these forts served as resilient guardians of the Maratha realm.

Equally significant are sections like Shrimant Yogi and Sinhasanadhishwar, which focus on Shivaji Maharaj’s governance and welfare policies. These areas remind visitors that his legacy was built not only on the battlefield but also through astute administration, social welfare, and community-oriented leadership.

Preserving Cultural Identity

A visit to Shivsrushti also immerses visitors in cultural and spiritual elements that formed an integral part of Shivaji Maharaj’s life. A carefully constructed replica of the Tulja Bhavani temple, revered by the Maratha king, is a symbolic centrepiece that highlights the role of faith in his leadership. Likewise, the recreated Ganga Sagar lake and historically inspired court paintings evoke the atmosphere of royal courts and significant milestones from his reign.

These details help bridge generational gaps, providing older visitors with a renewed sense of cultural pride and younger audiences with a deeper understanding of their roots.

Philanthropy That Builds Shared Memory

By supporting the Shivsrushti initiative, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation demonstrates how targeted donations can contribute directly to public education and cultural preservation. Reducing entry costs enables more families, schools, and communities to participate in this educational journey, ensuring that the lessons of history are not restricted to a privileged few but are open to all.

The Foundation’s contribution is a clear example of philanthropy that extends beyond mere charity. It is an investment in shared memory, cultural identity, and the nurturing of values that can guide future generations.

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Conclusion: A Legacy for Tomorrow

Donations such as that from the Abhay Bhutada Foundation are more than financial gestures—they are commitments to building a society that remembers and learns from its past. By making Shivsrushti more accessible, this support ensures that the bravery, wisdom, and leadership of Shivaji Maharaj remain a living inspiration.

For families and students who will step into this unique park, the experience will become more than a day’s outing; it will be a connection to a legacy that shaped an era. Thoughtful philanthropy, when aligned with cultural preservation, has the power to create ripples that last for generations—ensuring that history continues to live not only in books but also in hearts and minds.