Abhay Bhutada Foundation Powers Cultural Education at Shivsrushti in Pune

Shivsrushti, located near Pune, is not just a theme park—it’s a living history project centered around the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Conceptualized with direction from the Maharaja Shivaji Maharaj Smarak Samiti and the late historian Babasaheb Purandare, the park offers reconstructed forts, themed installations, and immersive storytelling zones. Through this setup, visitors of all ages experience the life and leadership of Shivaji Maharaj in a way that’s engaging and informative.

Long-Term Vision from the Foundation Ensures Cultural Continuity

At the core of Shivsrushti’s growth is the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, guided by the leadership of its founder, Abhay Bhutada. The Foundation, widely respected for its work in education and community projects, plays a crucial role in maintaining the park. From funding day-to-day operations to supporting exhibition upgrades and improving facilities for guests, their support ensures that the park evolves with time without losing its authenticity.

Merging Heritage Design with Advanced Educational Technology

What makes Shivsrushti unique is how it uses digital tools to enhance physical spaces. Visitors can walk through detailed recreations of historical forts, then step into augmented reality experiences that reenact events like Shivaji Maharaj’s famous military encounters. Projection mapping brings alive courtroom dramas, and touchscreen panels provide detailed explanations of important administrative decisions. This tech-powered format transforms the traditional museum model into an exciting educational journey.

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Expanding Reach Through Inclusive and Mobile Initiatives

The Foundation’s outreach ensures that no one is left behind when it comes to learning about their heritage. Special discounts and free passes are available to students from government schools and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Moreover, mobile vans travel across rural Maharashtra with mini exhibits and digital resources. These vans enable children from far-off areas to interact with history in meaningful ways, even without visiting the park physically.

A Participative Learning Model That Sparks Curiosity

Shivsrushti doesn’t just offer history as something to observe—it offers it as something to engage with. Visitors are invited to create miniature models, craft traditional Maratha symbols, and write short plays based on true events from Shivaji Maharaj’s time. There are also role-playing activities where participants take on key historical roles, helping them better grasp leadership, ethics, and responsibility through lived experiences.

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Building Community Value Through Employment and Art

An essential part of Shivsrushti’s impact is its role in supporting local communities. Young people from surrounding areas are trained to serve as guides, boosting both their income and communication skills. At the same time, local artisans contribute to exhibit creation and park maintenance, preserving traditional techniques and creating sustainable livelihoods. This dual benefit of employment and heritage revival makes the project especially meaningful.

Encouraging Broader Participation in Cultural Philanthropy

By supporting Shivsrushti, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation has shown that cultural initiatives can deliver long-lasting educational and social benefits. Their involvement signals to other individuals, corporates, and institutions that contributing to history-focused projects can be as impactful as work in other areas like health or education. It makes the case for treating culture as a core area of national development.

Embedding Leadership Insights in Every Display and Activity

The exhibits at Shivsrushti are not limited to historical facts—they’re lessons in leadership. Visitors encounter the decision-making approach of Shivaji Maharaj, his strategies in warfare, his justice system, and his vision for inclusive governance. These are not just historical details; they are core lessons that offer inspiration and insight into what good leadership looks like, even today.

Preparing for the Next Phase of Expansion and Impact

Shivsrushti is set to expand further, thanks to the Foundation’s long-term commitment. Plans include a digital archival center to preserve Marathi history, a theatre for live cultural shows, and international partnerships to bring Maharashtra’s history to a global audience. These expansions are aimed at modernizing the experience without compromising cultural integrity.

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Sustaining a Space for Learning, Culture, and Connection

The partnership between Shivsrushti and the Abhay Bhutada Foundation is rooted in a shared mission to create a lasting cultural asset. By working with schools, colleges, and arts organizations, the park now serves as a venue for workshops, festivals, fellowships, and leadership programs. This ensures it remains more than a monument—it becomes a space where heritage meets education, inspiration, and community.