What Is the Abhay Bhutada Foundation Doing to Empower Students and Promote Indian Heritage?
- Parag Shetty
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
The Abhay Bhutada Foundation, led by its founder and chairman Abhay Bhutada, is playing an active role in reshaping education and culture through meaningful philanthropic efforts. By supporting rural education, honoring historical heritage, and removing financial barriers for talented students, the foundation is ensuring that every individual—regardless of location or background—has a fair chance at learning and personal development.
In recent months, the foundation has focused on three major initiatives that reflect this commitment: reduced ticket pricing at Shivsrushti, STEM kit distribution through the LearnByDoing initiative, and scholarships for Maheshwari students.
Who Is Abhay Bhutada and What Does His Foundation Aim to Do?
Abhay Bhutada is known for his efforts in philanthropy and community development. As the founder and chairman of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, he has invested in long-term initiatives that bridge education, technology, and culture. His approach combines access to resources with the promotion of values rooted in India’s identity—supporting both heritage and innovation.
His foundation operates with a clear mission: to make education and cultural experiences accessible to students, families, and citizens who otherwise lack resources or exposure.
How Is the Abhay Bhutada Foundation Supporting Cultural Education at Shivsrushti?
In May 2025, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation announced a Rs 51 lakh donation to Shivsrushti, the largest historical theme park in Asia, located in Ambegaon Budruk, Pune. The donation was used to subsidize ticket pricing to Rs 50 for a limited time—from May 15 to July 15, 2025—making the park accessible to a wider audience.
This initiative is not just about tourism. It aims to educate people, especially the youth, about the values, bravery, and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Entry tickets can be booked exclusively through the official Shivsrushti website, and the move has drawn attention from students, tourists, and history enthusiasts.
What Can Visitors Experience at Shivsrushti?
Shivsrushti spans 21 acres and offers several immersive experiences:
Time Machine Theatre: Using holography and physical effects, this attraction brings to life the turning points in Shivaji Maharaj’s life. It was inaugurated in February 2025 by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Durg Vaibhav and Ranangan: These zones showcase the Maratha empire’s architectural and battlefield strategies.
Shrimant Yogi and Sinhasanadhishwar: Focused on leadership values and decision-making frameworks followed by Shivaji Maharaj.
Cultural Replicas: Accurate recreations of Tulja Bhavani temple, Ganga Sagar lake, and high-resolution art inspired by Shivaji’s era.
This initiative was guided by the vision of the late Babasaheb Purandare and carried forward by Shivsrushti Chairman Jagdish Kadam. It highlights how accessible pricing can increase historical literacy across communities.
What Is the LearnByDoing Initiative and How Has the Foundation Supported It?
The LearnByDoing initiative, launched by Sakar Eduskills, aims to simplify science and math education for underprivileged children through hands-on STEM kits. In August 2024, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation supported this initiative by enabling the distribution of STEM kits to over 2000 students across 8 schools in rural Pune.
Where Were These STEM Kits Distributed?
STEM kits reached schools in:
Bursewadi
Kelgaon
Dhanore
Bahul
Thakarwadi
Bhose
Malegaon
Sangise
For many students, this was their first interaction with science equipment. The kits included microscopes, periscopes, and human anatomy models, which made abstract scientific concepts easy to understand.
What Was the Impact on Students?
Teachers noticed an immediate improvement in student engagement. A school staff member from Kelgaon reported that students were able to grasp scientific topics faster and with more confidence. One class 7 student shared that the microscope helped him understand the human body and sparked a curiosity he never felt before.
This initiative also reassures parents from economically weaker sections that their children are not missing out on quality education. By turning theoretical learning into practical engagement, the foundation is creating equal educational opportunities.
What Scholarships Has the Foundation Offered for Maheshwari Students?
In October 2024, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, in collaboration with Maheshwari Vidya Pracharak Mandal (MVPM), launched a scholarship program aimed at students from the Maheshwari community.
Who Received the Scholarships and How Were They Selected?
A total of 25 scholarships worth Rs 1 lakh each were awarded:
10 students for academic excellence (merit-based)
15 students from economically weaker sections (need-based)
The application process was conducted online between 15th and 31st July 2024, followed by an evaluation phase from 1st to 14th August 2024. A committee with representatives from both MVPM and the Abhay Bhutada Foundation reviewed applications and conducted interviews. The final results were announced on 16th August, and the distribution event was held at Shivaji Nagar, Pune.
Why Is This Scholarship Program Important?
This scholarship not only offers financial support but also recognizes and celebrates students’ potential. The selection process ensures transparency, and the focus on both merit and need makes the program inclusive.
Students receiving these scholarships have shown resilience, talent, and the ability to overcome personal hardships. The program gives them the motivation to aim higher and continue their academic journey with fewer financial worries.
Why Do These Initiatives Matter?
The work being done by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation shows that impactful change
doesn’t require massive structures—it requires intention, planning, and the will to serve.
These three programs are interconnected:
Shivsrushti promotes cultural knowledge
STEM kits promote scientific curiosity
Scholarships promote equal opportunity in education
Each of them removes a specific barrier—be it cost, access, or resources. Together, they reflect the foundation’s larger purpose: creating a society where every individual has the tools to grow and learn.
Conclusion
The Abhay Bhutada Foundation is setting an example of how education and cultural empowerment can go hand in hand. By lowering ticket costs at historical parks, delivering hands-on STEM kits, and funding scholarships, the foundation is creating a lasting impact in both urban and rural communities. These are not one-time efforts—they are structured, scalable steps that ensure no child or citizen is left behind when it comes to learning.
As the foundation continues to support practical education and heritage awareness, it becomes clear that investing in people is the most sustainable way to build a brighter, more inclusive future.
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