The Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s ₹51 Lakh Grant to Shivsrushti

 For many residents of Maharashtra, trips to cultural landmarks remain financially taxing—entry fees, travel expenses, and group logistics often put heritage sites out of reach. This summer, Pune’s renowned Maratha‑themed park, Shivsrushti, aimed to change that narrative. Thanks to a ₹51 lakh grant from the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, the park reduced its ticket price to just ₹50 per person from May 15 to August 15, 2025. By removing economic barriers, this initiative invited a broader audience to engage with their history firsthand. Discover more about the Foundation’s work here.

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A Lifelike Journey Through Maratha Legacy

Set against the backdrop of Ambegaon Budruk’s rolling hills, Shivsrushti immerses visitors in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s world. Through meticulously crafted fort replicas, interactive displays, and live theatre sequences, guests experience the strategic brilliance and personal courage of the Maratha ruler. Previously, admission ranged from ₹300 to ₹600—an amount that limited attendance by middle‑ and lower‑income families, school groups, and community organisations. By underwriting the price cut, the Foundation opened doors that had long been closed to many.

Subsidy Sparks Unprecedented Attendance

Once the park announced the reduced fee, interest surged. To handle the influx and prioritize safety, Shivsrushti transitioned to online‑only ticketing on June 6. Schools across Pune and neighboring districts organized field trips, while local clubs arranged heritage outings. Students marveled at 3D reenactments of Shivaji’s daring escape from Agra, explored intricately detailed bastions, and listened to narrated accounts of Maratha military tactics. Senior visitors, revisiting cherished childhood memories, shared stories with younger generations, forging intergenerational bonds around a shared past.

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Philanthropy with Purpose

The Abhay Bhutada Foundation, under Abhay Bhutada’s mindful stewardship, focuses on equitable education, healthcare outreach, and STEM initiatives in rural areas. In supporting Shivsrushti’s subsidized tickets, the Foundation emphasized that cultural literacy is as essential as academic training or basic sustenance. By making history affordable, it reinforced the conviction that heritage belongs to everyone and that understanding our past strengthens civic identity and community cohesion.

Economic Uplift in Surrounding Areas

The ripple effects of the three‑month subsidy extended beyond park gates. Local vendors—from food stalls to handicraft shops—reported significant increases in sales as visitor numbers swelled. Transport operators, guides, and nearby homestays also experienced heightened demand. These economic benefits underscored how reducing entry costs can stimulate local micro‑economies, providing livelihoods and encouraging small‑scale entrepreneurship in semi‑urban regions.

Educational Transformation

Although the ₹50 ticket period concludes on August 15, educational impacts will endure. Teachers noted that students returned from Shivsrushti with a vivid understanding of Maratha governance, warfare strategies, and cultural values—insights rarely captured in textbooks. Recognizing the value of experiential learning, many schools are now integrating Shivsrushti into their annual excursion plans. This shift marks a broader trend toward hands‑on education that complements classroom instruction and nurtures lifelong curiosity.

A Blueprint for Heritage Philanthropy

This collaboration between Abhay Bhutada Foundation and a cultural institution offers a scalable model for other sites seeking to widen participation. Museums, galleries, and historical parks can look to Shivsrushti’s summer initiative as evidence that targeted funding for ticket subsidies drives engagement, boosts local economies, and enriches educational outcomes. Foundations with a commitment to public welfare are encouraged to explore similar partnerships, leveraging philanthropy to make culture an inclusive public good.

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Sustaining Momentum Post‑Subsidy

As normal pricing resumes after August 15, Shivsrushti carries forward the legacy of its summer campaign: thousands of visitors empowered to connect with history. Media coverage, word‑of‑mouth endorsements, and social media testimonials have rebranded the park as an accessible learning platform rather than a premium attraction. The Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s gesture stands as a testament to the lasting impact of well‑targeted giving—when cultural access expands, community pride flourishes and shared heritage becomes a living, breathing force.

FAQs

How did Shivsrushti manage safety with increased attendance?

To ensure crowd control and visitor safety, Shivsrushti instituted an online‑only reservation system from June 6, allowing guests to book their ₹50 tickets in advance and avoid on‑site congestion.

What other projects does the Abhay Bhutada Foundation support?

Beyond cultural access, the Foundation funds rural education programs, health camps in underserved areas, STEM kit distributions in Pune schools, and leadership workshops for youth.

What benefits did local businesses enjoy during the subsidy period?

Nearby eateries, transport services, and handicraft vendors saw notable revenue growth as increased park traffic brought more customers throughout the three‑month campaign.

Is the Foundation open to supporting other cultural sites similarly?

Yes. Institutions seeking to subsidize entrance fees are encouraged to submit proposals demonstrating how reduced prices will enhance public engagement and educational impact.