The Padma Awards 2024, announced on Republic Day, included 132 honorees, featuring 5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan, and 110 Padma Shri awardees. Among the remarkable individuals recognized, 30 are women, and 8 belong to the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI, with 9 posthumous awardees.
One of the unsung heroes in the Padma Awards list is Parbati Baruah, fondly known as ‘Hasti Kanya.’ A native of Assam, she made history by becoming India’s first woman elephant mahout and was honored with the Padma Shri for her significant contributions to animal conservation. This recognition is a testament to her resilience and dedication to a field traditionally dominated by men.
What is mahout?
A mahout is an elephant rider, trainer, or keeper. Mahouts were used since antiquity for both civilian and military use. Traditionally, mahouts came from ethnic groups with generations of elephant keeping experience, with a mahout retaining his elephant throughout its working life or service years.
Parbati Baruah -India’s First Woman Elephant Mahout
Parbati Baruah hails from Gauripur, Assam, and her unique journey in working with elephants began in her childhood. Raised by Assamese zamindars with a deep-rooted connection to elephants, she played with these majestic creatures as a little girl. Her family, once involved in the capture and sale of elephants, had historic ties with royal families like Bhutan, Cooch Behar, and Jaipur.
Parbati’s father, Prakritesh Chandra Barua, a renowned authority on elephants worldwide, played a pivotal role in introducing her to the world of elephant care at the age of fourteen. Growing up with a bond rooted in Assamese royalty, Parbati’s family owned forty elephants, a symbol of status in wealthy households.
At the age of 14, Parbati successfully tamed her first elephant in the Kochugaon forest in Assam. Between 1975 and 1978, she independently tamed fourteen wild elephants in the woods of North Bengal (Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling) and Assam (Darrang and Kochugaon). Her journey included assisting in the care and nursing of recently tamed elephants on behalf of forest officers, contributing significantly to the well-being of these majestic creatures.
Parbati Baruah has actively participated in numerous initiatives to improve the living conditions of elephants. Her pioneering efforts in taming and caring for elephants have not only challenged stereotypes but have also enhanced the welfare of these animals. She remains an inspiring figure, breaking barriers and fostering positive change in the realm of animal conservation.
Positive Takeaway
Parbati Baruah’s journey from Assamese royalty to becoming India’s first woman elephant mahout is a story of determination and passion. The Padma Shri award recognizes her outstanding contributions to animal conservation, highlighting the importance of breaking gender norms in traditionally male-dominated fields. Parbati’s story serves as an inspiration, encouraging others to challenge societal expectations and make a positive impact in areas they are passionate about.
