Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Support Is Making History Affordable for Every Student in Pune
- Parag Shetty
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
If you’ve ever wanted to walk through history instead of reading about it, now’s your chance. Shivsrushti, a unique theme park dedicated to the life and times of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is currently offering tickets for just ₹50 — a huge drop from its regular pricing. This exciting offer, which began on May 15, was made possible by a ₹51 lakh donation from the Abhay Bhutada Foundation. We’re already halfway through the offer, and there’s just one month left to make the most of it.
A Theme Park That Teaches You History
As a college student studying history, I’ve always looked for ways to experience what I learn in the classroom. Shivsrushti gave me exactly that. Situated in Pune’s Ambegaon Budruk, it’s unlike any museum or textbook I’ve ever come across. This park uses real-time visuals, storytelling zones, and high-tech setups to explain the vision and courage of Shivaji Maharaj in a way that’s engaging, not exhausting.
With this limited-time pricing, students from all backgrounds can now visit without worrying about the cost. For me and my friends, this was not just a fun outing — it was a meaningful educational trip that made our studies come alive.
The Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Role
Behind this initiative is the Abhay Bhutada Foundation. Founded and chaired by Abhay Bhutada, the Foundation has supported several public welfare projects, mostly focused on learning, community building, and cultural outreach. This ₹51 lakh donation wasn’t just a funding decision — it was a step toward inclusivity.
By making ticket prices so affordable, the Foundation has opened doors for students, families, and individuals who may have otherwise missed this enriching experience due to financial limits. It’s not every day that an organization steps in to reduce entry barriers to education — quite literally.
A Vision Built on Heritage and Learning
Jagdish Kadam, the chairman of Shivsrushti, shared that this entire project was built in memory of the dream held by historian Babasaheb Purandare. The goal was simple — make the public more aware of Shivaji Maharaj’s values and legacy. But instead of using just plaques and signs, Shivsrushti is designed to immerse you into every part of the Maratha Empire’s story.
This was not created as a typical tourist spot. It’s a planned experience, where every zone is developed to help you think, imagine, and understand. You come out not only entertained but better informed.
Highlights That You Shouldn’t Miss
If you’re planning to visit in the next few weeks — and I highly recommend you do — here are a few places inside Shivsrushti that left a strong impression on me:
Time Machine Theatre
This was my personal favourite. It’s a new addition from February 2025 and uses 3D effects, sound, and holograms to show key turning points in Shivaji’s life. The effects were truly impressive, but more than that, the storytelling helped me understand why he made certain decisions.
Durg Vaibhav and Ranangan
These zones are about war and strategy — how Shivaji used forts to protect his people, and how he approached battles. You see replicas, war setups, and even battlefield simulations.
Shrimant Yogi and Sinhasanadhishwar
Here, the focus is on Shivaji’s leadership and how he governed his kingdom. It really struck me how ahead of his time he was — inclusive, ethical, and smart in how he dealt with politics.
Cultural Elements
Apart from political history, there’s also a strong focus on spiritual and cultural symbols — including the Tulja Bhavani temple replica and lake zones. These help paint a more complete picture of the man beyond just the warrior.
Why This ₹50 Ticket Means So Much
Let’s be honest — not every student has the money to visit parks like this, especially when the usual prices are higher. This ticket price — just ₹50 — removes that barrier. With many colleges on summer break, it’s the perfect time for students to visit. You don’t have to be a history major to enjoy it — even if you just want to explore something meaningful during the holidays, this is worth your time.
More importantly, this pricing sends a bigger message — that learning doesn’t have to be locked behind expensive tickets. With one month already gone, students still have a chance to go before the offer ends on July 15.
Booking Is Easy and Online
Tickets are available only through the official Shivsrushti website, and the process is simple. You just choose your date and time slot, make a quick payment, and that’s it. But bookings are filling up fast, especially on weekends, so it’s better to plan in advance. I would definitely recommend weekday visits for a quieter experience and more time at each exhibit.
A Lesson Beyond Classrooms
One of the biggest takeaways from my visit was how much more I could understand a textbook chapter once I’d seen it in 3D and walked through it. The Shivsrushti experience sticks with you. You remember what you saw, not just what you read. It’s also very inclusive — I saw parents explaining things to their children, elderly visitors taking guided tours, and even young school kids running from one zone to another with curiosity.
The impact of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation in making this available to so many people is a big deal. It’s not just about reducing ticket costs. It’s about giving every citizen a chance to learn and connect with their roots.
Conclusion
Shivsrushti’s ₹50 ticket offer is more than a summer discount — it’s a rare opportunity to experience history without financial stress. With support from the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, this initiative is helping thousands explore the life of Shivaji Maharaj in a way that feels real and relevant. We’re halfway through the two-month offer, and if you haven’t gone yet, now’s the time. Book online, take a day out, and walk through history while you still can.
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