Parbati Barua of Assam honoured with Padma Shri for wildlife conservation efforts

• Image Credit: Google

• May 9, 2024 | Guriya Khatun

The elephant habitats of Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, Uttaranchal, and Uttar Pradesh have all been permanently altered by Barua's dedication to the cause of animal conservation throughout the years. 

Digital Desk: Parbati Barua of Assam received the Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu on May 9th, in recognition of her outstanding commitment to the conservation of elephants and other animals. 

Born into a long-standing royal family in Gauripur, Assam, Parbati Barua's path to becoming the first female elephant mahout in India and a renowned wildlife champion is a testament to her perseverance, passion, and unwavering dedication to her work. Her incredible journey began when, at the tender age of 14, she tamed her first elephant, disobeying social expectations and shattering gender stereotypes amid Kochugaon, Assam's verdant jungles.

The elephant habitats of Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, Uttaranchal, and Uttar Pradesh have all been permanently altered by Barua's dedication to the cause of animal conservation throughout the years. She has successfully rehabilitated over 500 elephants, providing them with a life of dignity and safety, using her ground-breaking methods that are based in traditional wisdom, such as the Mela Shikar method.

Beyond her amazing feats of taming elephants, Barua has become a ray of hope in the fight against conflicts between people and elephants. She works closely with forest officials to establish long-term solutions and give elephants and their caregivers comprehensive treatment. Her knowledge and advocacy are known throughout the world, because of her participation in international conferences like the International Workshop on the Domesticated Asian Elephant in Bangkok, Thailand.