Making Cultural Education Inclusive Through Thoughtful Support
- Douglas D'Souza
- May 22
- 4 min read
In a move that brings history closer to the people, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation has announced a donation of ₹51 lakhs to Shivsrushti, the heritage park located in Ambegaon Budruk, Pune. As part of this support, ticket prices have been reduced to ₹50 per person for all visitors from May 15 to July 15, 2025. This thoughtful initiative has one simple goal—ensuring more people have the opportunity to engage with the inspiring life and values of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
By making the cultural space more accessible, Abhay Bhutada and his foundation continue to focus on inclusive education and public enrichment.
Supporting History That Teaches and Inspires
The Shivsrushti theme park is more than just a tourist spot. It is a thoughtfully built educational space designed to teach visitors about the leadership, courage, and values of Shivaji Maharaj. Until now, the park may have been out of reach for many students, families, and individuals with limited means.
Thanks to the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, this barrier has been addressed. The reduced price structure opens doors for a wider segment of society to explore, learn, and connect with a powerful piece of Indian history.
A Historical Park with an Educational Purpose
Shivsrushti is spread over 21 acres and brings together storytelling, technology, and heritage in one space. Developed as per the vision of historian Babasaheb Purandare, the park aims to recreate the life and ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in an engaging and informative way.
Visitors move through sections that touch upon everything from his spiritual beliefs to his administrative reforms. It is a full-circle educational experience that merges knowledge with real-life storytelling techniques.
Highlights of the Shivsrushti Experience
Some of the key areas that stand out for visitors include:
Time Machine Theatre
A high-tech space where audio-visual effects recreate key events from Shivaji Maharaj’s life, offering a more immersive experience.
Durg Vaibhav
A section dedicated to the science and planning behind the many forts built under Shivaji Maharaj’s leadership.
Ranangan
This part focuses on his military skills and battlefield decisions, helping visitors understand his tactical excellence.
Shrimant Yogi
A peaceful zone that highlights the philosophical and spiritual side of the Maratha king’s character.
Sinhasanadhishwar
An area devoted to his coronation and his contributions to building a strong administrative structure.
There are also replicas of important temples, lakes, and art galleries that add to the depth of the park’s message and overall learning.
Prioritising Visitor Comfort and Access
The park is fully air-conditioned and designed to provide a pleasant experience to people of all ages. Whether it’s summer or monsoon, the space ensures that the learning experience is uninterrupted by external factors.
During the subsidised period, tickets will be made available only through Shivsrushti’s official website. This online-only model will help regulate visitor flow, ensure safety, and offer ease of planning for families and school groups.
Why This Initiative Matters
The work of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation often revolves around the principle that education should not be limited to the classroom. It should happen in spaces that stimulate curiosity and deeper understanding.
With this move, Abhay Bhutada is not only investing in a cultural site but also in people’s right to learn and engage with their heritage. The donation to Shivsrushti is part of the Foundation’s broader commitment to empowering communities through knowledge.
Recognising the Visionaries Behind the Project
Jagdish Kadam, the Chairman of Shivsrushti, has spoken about the importance of making history more engaging and open to all. He pointed out that the park stays true to Babasaheb Purandare’s dream of educating the next generation about Shivaji Maharaj’s lasting contribution to Indian society.
He also expressed appreciation for the Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s role in making this vision a reality. According to him, this collaboration is an excellent example of how civic-minded initiatives can support large-scale educational goals.
Reaching New Audiences Through Inclusion
What makes this step unique is how it breaks the conventional pattern of restricted cultural access. It gives students, especially those from government schools or low-income families, a chance to walk through an experience that would otherwise remain distant.
By removing the financial hurdle, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation is not just funding a project—it is investing in minds. It allows for greater diversity in the audience and ensures that history is not just heard about but experienced first-hand.
Conclusion
Through this support for Shivsrushti, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation has shown that making heritage education accessible can be done with simple, impactful steps. By reducing ticket costs, the foundation enables more people to participate in a meaningful journey through India’s past.
As families, students, and history enthusiasts walk through the exhibits, they gain more than knowledge—they gain a sense of pride, identity, and understanding. This initiative serves as a reminder that real learning happens when everyone, regardless of background, is welcomed into the fold. It is this spirit of openness and inclusion that the Abhay Bhutada Foundation continues to uphold through its work.
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