Assam: President Murmu confers Padma Shri to Parbati Barua for wildlife conservation efforts

President Droupadi Murmu on may 9 bestowed the Padma Shri award upon Parbati Barua from Assam, recognizing her unparalleled dedication to elephant conservation and wildlife preservation.

Hailing from the historic royal lineage of Gauripur, Assam, Parbati Barua's journey to becoming India's first female elephant mahout and an eminent wildlife advocate embodies resilience, passion, and a relentless pursuit of her calling. Her remarkable story unfolded in the heart of the lush forests of Kochugaon, Assam, where at the tender age of 14, she embarked on her extraordinary mission by taming her first elephant, defying societal norms and breaking gender barriers.

Over the decades, Barua's commitment to the cause of wildlife conservation has left an indelible mark across the elephant habitats of Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, Uttaranchal, and Uttar Pradesh. Through her pioneering techniques rooted in traditional wisdom, such as the Mela Shikar method, she has successfully rehabilitated over five hundred elephants, offering them a life of dignity and safety.

Beyond her formidable achievements in elephant taming, Barua has emerged as a beacon of hope in mitigating human-elephant conflicts, collaborating closely with forest authorities to implement sustainable solutions and provide holistic care to both elephants and their caretakers. Her expertise and advocacy have transcended borders, with her participation in international forums such as the International Workshop on the Domesticated Asian Elephant in Bangkok, Thailand, earning her global recognition.

Parbati Barua's accolades, including the prestigious Asom Gaurav Award and the United Nations Environment Program's "Global 500 - Roll of Honour," underscore her tireless dedication and transformative impact on wildlife conservation. In 2003, she was honored as the "Honorary Chief Elephant Warden of Asom" by the Government of Assam.