In a proud moment for Assam’s conservation community, Parbati Barua, a trailblazer in elephant conservation, was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award by President Droupadi Murmu during the Civil Investiture Ceremony held today in New Delhi.
Hailing from the esteemed royal family of Gauripur, Assam, Barua made history as India’s first female elephant mahout, challenging traditional gender norms to pursue her passion for wildlife. Born on March 14, 1953, her journey into the realm of elephant conservation began at a young age, and her dedication has been unwavering ever since.
Barua’s pioneering efforts have not only included the taming of over five hundred elephants but also innovative approaches to mitigate human-elephant conflicts across regions like Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, Uttaranchal, and Uttar Pradesh. Her unique techniques, such as the traditional Mela Shikar method for capturing wild elephants without tranquillizer guns, have garnered international recognition.
Beyond her local impact, Barua’s advocacy has reached global platforms, with her participation in international workshops and seminars focused on elephant conservation, including the prestigious International Workshop on the Domesticated Asian Elephant organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2001.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Her tireless efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the Asom Gaurav Award in 2023 and the United Nations Environment Program’s “Global 500 – Roll of Honour” in 1989. Recognizing her invaluable contributions, the Government of Assam bestowed upon her the title of “Honorary Chief Elephant Warden of Asom” in 2003.
Barua’s commitment to wildlife conservation extends beyond her practical endeavours; her documentary “Aparajita 2023” has also been celebrated, earning her the “Nature’s Warrior” Jury Award at the Kolkata International Wildlife & Environment Film Festival.
Also Read | Assam: Female electors outnumber male voters in 3-phase LS polls