Padma Shri Parbati Baruah: Pioneering Female Mahout

So, have you heard about Parbati Baruah? She’s quite the sensation at 67! Known as the ‘Elephant Girl’ or ‘Hasti Kanya,’ she’s turning heads and earning the nation’s admiration by breaking stereotypes in a field usually dominated by men—animal conservation.

Let me take you back to where it all began. Parbati’s journey started in Goalpara, Assam, where she was born into the respected Gauripur royal family. Her dad, Prakritesh Barua, shared her love for elephants, and together they captured their first elephant when Parbati was just 14. That moment sparked a lifelong devotion to these majestic creatures.

For more than forty years now, Parbati has been championing peaceful coexistence between humans and elephants in Assam. Despite the conflicts between the two, her know-how and big heart have made a tangible difference. She’s saved lives and helped shape crucial government regulations to handle conflicts better, keeping both humans and elephants safe.

Now, Parbati’s got some serious skills in taming wild elephants. With loads of patience and understanding, she’s turned wild animals into trusted pals, earning respect not only in Assam but also in places like West Bengal and Odisha.

And guess what? Her incredible journey hasn’t gone unnoticed. Renowned author Mark Roland Shand even immortalized her story in his book, “Queen of the Elephants,” and there’s a BBC documentary that’s taken her achievements worldwide. Talk about inspiring!

But you know what’s even more amazing? Even after snagging the Padma Shri award, Parbati hasn’t slowed down. Nope, she’s still out there, fiercely advocating for wildlife conservation. As part of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Asian Elephant Specialist Group (IUCN), she’s still fighting the good fight, ensuring these magnificent creatures have a bright future.

And let’s not forget—Parbati’s Padma Shri honor isn’t just about her. It’s a nod to her family’s legacy of greatness. With folks like folk singer Pratima Pandey Barua and filmmaker Pramathesh Barua in her family tree, you could say greatness runs in her blood.

_{Re-reported the article originally published in She the People}