Desk Report, January 26, 2024 – Parbati Barua, affectionately known as ‘Hathi Ki Pari,’ has been honored with the esteemed Padma Shri as part of the 2024 Padma Awards, recognizing her remarkable contributions to animal conservation. As India commemorates its 75th Republic Day on January 26, 132 citizens have been acknowledged for their exceptional achievements across various fields.
Hailing from the erstwhile Gauripur royal family in Goalpara district, Parbati Barua holds the unique distinction of being India’s first female elephant mahout. Born into a family deeply connected to elephants, her father, Prakritish Barua, played a pivotal role in nurturing her interest in these majestic creatures, having around 40 elephants in his stable.
Parbati Barua’s journey as a mahout began at the tender age of 14 when she captured her first elephant in the Kachugaon forests of Kokrajhar district. Over the decades, she has become an expert in capturing and domesticating wild elephants, contributing significantly to reducing human-elephant conflicts not only in Assam but also in neighboring West Bengal and Odisha.
Her expertise gained international recognition with the creation of the BBC documentary “Queen of the Elephants,” which shed light on her life and contributions. Parbati, currently a member of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group of IUCN, continues to be active in animal conservation at the age of 70.
In addition to her accomplishments, Parbati Barua is the sister of Padma Shri award-winning folk singer Pratima Barua Pandey and the niece of filmmaker Pramathesh Barua. Her commitment to breaking down the scientific basis of elephant-keeping practices for mahouts reflects her dedication to enlightening others in the field.
As she receives the Padma Shri, Parbati Barua remains an inspiring figure, emphasizing the importance of understanding the scientific basis of elephant training protocols for mahouts. Her legacy extends beyond her pioneering role as India’s first female elephant mahout, contributing significantly to the harmony between humans and elephants.
