The
Abhay Bhutada Foundation has stepped forward with a donation of Rs 51 lakhs to
Shivsrushti, the historical theme park in Ambegaon Budruk, Pune. With this support,
ticket prices will be brought down to just Rs 50 for everyone visiting between
May 15 and July 15, 2025. The idea is simple: make it easier for people to
experience India’s history without worrying about cost.
This
move reflects Abhay Bhutada’s focus on education, awareness, and community
upliftment. The decision to subsidise ticket prices aims to make Shivsrushti’s
rich exhibits accessible to a broader section of society, particularly
students, families, and cultural enthusiasts.
Empowering
the Public to Engage with History
As per the Foundation’s directive,
the donation will be used exclusively to increase public engagement with the
life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of India’s most respected
historical leaders. The park, developed with the vision of late historian
Babasaheb Purandare, brings to life the values, leadership qualities, and
strategic brilliance of Shivaji Maharaj through a series of interactive and
visual exhibits.
State-of-the-Art
Historical Experience
Shivsrushti is spread across 21
acres and combines tradition with technology to offer a comprehensive view of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life. The park includes the Time Machine Theatre,
a popular attraction launched during the second phase earlier this year, which allows
visitors to relive key historical moments through holography, mapping
technology, and physical effects.
The park is fully air-conditioned
and designed to accommodate visitors in a comfortable setting, making the
learning experience enjoyable regardless of weather conditions.
Attractions
That Educate and Inspire
Some key sections of the theme park
include:
Durg
Vaibhav
– Showcasing the art and science of fort construction and defense strategies.
Ranangan – Offering insights into Shivaji
Maharaj’s critical battles and military acumen.
Shrimant
Yogi
– Exploring the spiritual and philosophical side of Shivaji Maharaj.
Sinhasanadhishwar – A section highlighting his
coronation and administrative reforms.
Other features include a replica of
the Tulja Bhavani temple, Ganga Sagar lake, and a gallery with high-resolution
prints of rare paintings that portray Shivaji Maharaj’s life and ethos.
To manage the expected increase in
footfall during this period, tickets will be available online only through
Shivsrushti’s official website. This allows visitors to plan their trip
conveniently while ensuring crowd control and safety at the venue.
Abhay
Bhutada’s Role in Making Culture Accessible
According
to Shivsrushti Chairman Jagdish Kadam, the park has been created in line with
Babasaheb Purandare’s vision to spread awareness about the noble and
humanitarian ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The experience is designed
to transport visitors to Shivaji Maharaj’s era while ensuring comfort through a
fully air-conditioned setup. Contributions like the one from CA Abhay Bhutada, founder of the Abhay Bhutada
Foundation, play a role in encouraging wider public engagement with such
cultural efforts.
A
Model for Purpose-Driven Philanthropy
The Abhay Bhutada
Foundation has steadily focused its efforts on meaningful causes that
drive long-term value for society. From education and culture to community
engagement, the Foundation’s contributions reflect a larger purpose of creating
inclusive opportunities for growth and awareness.
This collaboration with Shivsrushti
stands out as a remarkable example of how philanthropic partnerships can help
democratise access to cultural knowledge. By reducing the cost barrier, the
Foundation ensures that every individual, regardless of background, can be a
part of this immersive educational journey.