The Central Government has unveiled the recipients of the prestigious Padma Awards 2024, celebrating the outstanding contributions of individuals from various fields. Among the honorees was Parbati Baruah, renowned as "Hasti Kanya" or the Elephant Girl, who made history as India's first female elephant mahout. Hailing from Gauripur in Assam, Baruah has been awarded the Padma Shri for her remarkable achievements in animal conservation and breaking gender stereotypes in the traditionally male-dominated field.
Parbati Baruah, aged 67, is not only a trailblazer in the world of elephant care but also a prominent Indian politician and animal conservation activist. Born into the Royal Family of Gauripur, she is the daughter of the late Prakritish Chandra Barua, the last member of the Rajahs of Gauripur to wield authority. Her remarkable journey into the limelight began with the BBC documentary "Queen of the Elephants," which delved into her life and was accompanied by a book penned by Mark Shand.
Growing up in the lap of nature, Parbati developed a profound understanding and passion for elephants from her father, a hunter with an extraordinary understanding of these majestic creatures. Prakritish Chandra Barua, also an internationally acclaimed elephant expert, owned a royal stable boasting 40 elephants. Parbati, following in her father's footsteps, spent her childhood playing and interacting with elephants in the jungles.
The Baruah family, with a centuries-old connection to elephants, was involved in capturing and selling elephants until the government imposed a ban on the practice. Notably, their clientele included royal families from Bhutan, Cooch Behar, and Jaipur. Parbati's journey took a turn when she transitioned from playing with elephants to becoming their caretaker, challenging societal norms and gender biases prevalent in the field.
Now recognized with the Padma Shri, Parbati Baruah's dedication to animal conservation and her significant role as a female mahout symbolize a groundbreaking achievement in India. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring individuals looking to break barriers in unconventional fields.
Today, Parbati Baruah is not just a mahout; she is a passionate advocate for the welfare of elephants. Beyond her groundbreaking role as India's first female elephant mahout, she is an active member of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group, IUCN. Baruah's commitment to elephant conservation goes beyond her personal achievements, as she continues to contribute to the preservation of these magnificent creatures, emphasizing the importance of coexistence between humans and elephants. Her journey stands as a testament to the power of dedication and passion in creating a positive impact on the world.
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