Why Shivsrushti and Sites Like It Must Be Preserved

Every generation faces the same quiet challenge—how to pass on its stories. In India, a land rich with dynasties, freedom movements, and spiritual revolutions, this challenge takes on even greater weight. It isn’t enough to remember history—we have to make it resonate. Shivsrushti, Pune’s ambitious heritage park inspired by the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, does just that. It transforms history into a sensory experience, allowing visitors to walk through the landscapes of the past while confronting questions of identity, leadership, and justice.

Set across 21 acres in Ambegaon Budruk, Shivsrushti is the creation of the late Babasaheb Purandare, a historian whose life was devoted to chronicling Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy. The park presents itself as an open-air storybook—every fort wall, courtroom replica, and 4D theatre working together to offer a history lesson that feels more like time travel. And in today’s fragmented world, such spaces are more than nostalgic projects—they are essential touchstones for civic learning and national pride.

The Real Cost of Heritage Preservation

Building an institution like Shivsrushti is a rare feat of vision, planning, and execution. But maintaining it is an entirely different challenge. The project’s budget exceeds ₹438 crore, and its design includes everything from multimedia galleries and an amphitheatre to a time-machine-themed experience center. However, beyond the construction and aesthetics lies the ongoing responsibility to keep the park engaging, operational, and financially viable.

Cultural heritage sites typically operate at the intersection of public interest and limited funding. While entry tickets can cover a portion of day-to-day costs, they are rarely enough to support upgrades, staff salaries, outreach programs, or conservation efforts. In the absence of robust government grants, private donations become the cornerstone of sustainability. Without such support, even the best-intentioned projects risk slipping into neglect.

This is why Shivsrushti stands as a test case for how India can care for its historical memory—not only by building monuments but by ensuring that they live, breathe, and educate.

Also Read: Reviving a Timeless Vision With Shivsrushti

The Abhay Bhutada Foundation: Bringing History Within Reach

In June 2025, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation made a donation of ₹51 lakh to Shivsrushti with a clear and focused goal: to make the park more accessible. With this support, the entry fee was subsidized to ₹50 per person until July 15, significantly reducing the cost for visitors. This wasn’t merely an act of charity—it was an act of inclusion, one that brought history closer to the people it belongs to.

The results spoke for themselves. Within days, footfall surged, drawing families, students, and senior citizens from across Pune and neighboring towns. For many first-time visitors, especially those from lower-income households, Shivsrushti became an affordable and exciting outing—something previously considered out of reach. To handle the increased traffic, the park swiftly introduced an online ticketing system, further modernizing its operations.

But more than the logistical response, it was the emotional resonance that stood out. People from diverse backgrounds had the chance to encounter Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy not as a distant textbook chapter, but as a vivid, immersive journey. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s support helped reframe Shivsrushti not as a premium destination, but as a public asset—something built for the many, not the few.

Also Read: Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Contribution Transforms Shivsrushti into a Cultural Beacon 

The Larger Ripple: Public Engagement and Cultural Relevance

Temporary as the subsidy may be, the idea it advances is long-lasting: culture thrives when it is open, accessible, and part of everyday life. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s contribution did more than just ease financial access—it sparked renewed public interest in Shivsrushti, setting a precedent for how civic and private actors can work together to amplify cultural awareness.

Now is the time to build on that momentum. Schools should include Shivsrushti in their academic calendar. Local communities can organize heritage days or student exhibitions based on the park’s content. Philanthropists and corporate social responsibility arms can follow suit, offering targeted support—not just for infrastructure, but for accessibility, programming, and education.

Cultural institutions gain relevance not from their grandeur, but from how deeply they engage the public. Shivsrushti’s recent surge in footfall shows what is possible when barriers are removed. With consistent effort, it can evolve into a nationally recognized educational landmark.

Also Read: A Living Tribute to Maharashtra’s Glorious Past 

Conclusion: Preserving What Grounds Us

We often think of progress as something new—better technology, faster cities, more convenience. But true progress also involves preservation. It means carrying forward the ideas, stories, and values that make us who we are. Cultural institutions like Shivsrushti allow us to do that, not with nostalgia, but with purpose. They help us understand where we come from so that we can decide, more wisely, where we want to go.

The Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s ₹51 lakh donation wasn’t just a gesture of support; it was a call to action. It asked us to rethink who has access to our shared history and challenged the notion that cultural education should be a luxury. Through this subsidy, the Foundation has helped thousands experience the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj up close—and in doing so, has set a powerful example of civic responsibility.

Shivsrushti is not just a project—it is a living dialogue between past and present. To let it fade would be to silence a story still worth telling. With vision, collaboration, and continued public support, it can become not only a tribute to a great king but a cornerstone for how India remembers and reclaims its heritage.