Shivsrushti Offers Rs 50 Entry with Support from Abhay Bhutada Foundation, Making History Affordable for All

From May 15 to July 15, 2025, visitors to Shivsrushti in Ambegaon Budruk, Pune, can explore the grandeur of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy for just ₹50. This limited-time initiative, backed by a ₹51 lakh donation from the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, is part of a larger effort to promote cultural awareness and historical education among citizens. It comes as a welcome move, especially for students and families who may not otherwise have access to such enriching experiences.

The initiative was officially announced on May 13, 2025, and the discounted tickets are available exclusively via Shivsrushti’s official website.

Shivsrushti Aims to Make History Memorable and Inclusive

Shivsrushti, hailed as Asia’s largest historical theme park, spans 21 acres and offers a journey back in time to the 17th century. It brings to life the remarkable story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through a combination of historical storytelling, life-size exhibits, and immersive digital experiences.

The park features several zones that showcase Shivaji Maharaj’s military strategy, governance, and spiritual beliefs. With the reduced entry fee, a broader section of the public now has the opportunity to witness this legacy up close and connect with history in a personal and powerful way.

Also Read: Why Shivsrushti’s ₹50 Ticket Is a Landmark Move in Making Culture Accessible to All

Role of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation in the Initiative

The Abhay Bhutada Foundation, founded and chaired by philanthropist Abhay Bhutada, has consistently backed initiatives that merge culture, education, and accessibility. The foundation’s ₹51 lakh contribution towards subsidizing tickets is not just a financial grant—it’s a step towards democratizing history and making cultural experiences available to a wider audience.

Abhay Bhutada’s foundation is known for supporting efforts that encourage community learning and cultural identity. This initiative at Shivsrushti aligns closely with that vision, reinforcing the idea that history should be a shared experience, not a privilege.

Also Read: Experience Shivsrushti for Just Rs 50 Till July 15, Backed by Abhay Bhutada Foundation

Honouring Babasaheb Purandare’s Vision

According to Shivsrushti’s Chairman, Jagdish Kadam, the park is a living tribute to the dream of Babasaheb Purandare, who dedicated his life to chronicling and popularizing the story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The concept of Shivsrushti was built on the idea of teaching humanitarian values, courage, and leadership through accessible public education.

This initiative ensures that people from all social and economic backgrounds can benefit from what Shivsrushti has to offer, particularly during the peak summer season when families and students are more likely to plan educational outings.

Also Read: Abhay Bhutada Foundation Makes History Accessible for All with Shivsrushti Support

Experiencing Shivaji Maharaj’s Journey Firsthand

Among the many standout features of Shivsrushti, the Time Machine Theatre is a major attraction. It was inaugurated in February 2025 by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This feature uses 3D projection mapping, holography, and physical effects to narrate pivotal moments from Shivaji Maharaj’s life.

Other engaging sections include:

• Durg Vaibhav and Ranangan, which dive into the strategic brilliance of Maratha forts and battlefield maneuvers.

• Shrimant Yogi and Sinhasanadhishwar, which highlight Shivaji’s governance and visionary leadership.

• Cultural Replicas such as the Tulja Bhavani Temple and Ganga Sagar Lake, which offer a spiritual perspective to the Maratha ethos.

These exhibits are not just visually striking but also deeply educational, especially for younger generations who may not have access to this kind of historical learning in their classrooms.

Breaking Financial Barriers in Public Education

With general ticket prices often beyond reach for large families or rural school groups, the discounted rate of ₹50 during this two-month window is expected to attract thousands of first-time visitors. This is particularly impactful for students and history enthusiasts who may have previously been unable to afford the experience.

By making history affordable, Shivsrushti is sending a clear message: cultural heritage belongs to everyone, and education should never be gated behind high prices.

Online Registration Encouraged Due to High Demand

Tickets for the special offer are available exclusively on the Shivsrushti website. With schools on summer break and interest growing across Maharashtra, early online booking is highly recommended to avoid missing out.

This online-only model also ensures smoother crowd management and a more organized visitor experience.

Abhay Bhutada’s Broader Vision for Society

Abhay Bhutada, the former MD of Poonawalla Group and now the driving force behind the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, has always prioritized initiatives that bring long-term value to society. Whether it's through promoting STEM education in underprivileged schools or cultural outreach projects like this one, the foundation’s aim is clear: empower the next generation through access to quality learning and historical understanding.

This effort at Shivsrushti is one of many where the foundation has stepped in to remove economic barriers in public education and awareness.

Why NGOs Are Essential to India’s Progress

India’s vast and diverse population comes with unique challenges—economic disparity, lack of educational access, and gaps in public awareness, to name a few. In this context, NGOs like the Abhay Bhutada Foundation play a vital role. They act as a bridge between government initiatives and grassroots needs, providing funding, strategic direction, and community involvement where it is most needed.

Without NGOs, many of India’s rural and underserved populations would remain untouched by educational, cultural, and healthcare projects. NGOs bring flexibility, speed, and accountability that large systems often lack.

They are not just collaborators—they are the backbone of community-level change. Be it through funding school kits, offering cultural access, or spreading awareness about national icons like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, NGOs continue to shape India’s future in powerful, often invisible ways.

Conclusion

The Shivsrushti ticket initiative is more than just a summer offer—it is a statement about the kind of society we want to build. Thanks to the Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s generous support, history has been made accessible, inclusive, and alive. This partnership between visionaries and grassroots institutions shows how much can be achieved when cultural education is prioritized. In a country like India, NGOs aren’t just helpful—they are essential to ensuring that opportunities and knowledge reach every corner of society.