By Abdullahi Lukman
Parbati Barua, 67, has been recognized with the Padma Shri for her groundbreaking work as India’s first female mahout and her dedication to wildlife conservation, particularly in mitigating human-elephant conflicts.
Her efforts have spanned over 40 years, making her a crucial figure in Assam and beyond.
Barua’s expertise in elephant behavior, developed since her first elephant capture at age 14 with her father, the last Raja of Gauripur, Prakritish Barua, has been instrumental in policy formulation and practical interventions.
She is renowned for her ability to tame wild elephants and has frequently assisted forest officials in safely relocating them away from human settlements.
Her contributions extend beyond Assam, reaching neighboring states like West Bengal and Odisha.
Barua’s story gained international attention through Mark Roland Shand’s book “Queen of the Elephants” (1996) and a subsequent BBC documentary, highlighting her unique role.
Hailing from the royal family of Gauripur in Assam’s Goalpara district, Barua’s childhood was immersed in the world of elephants, with her father’s stables housing 40 of the animals.
This early exposure fueled her lifelong passion.
Currently, Barua is an active member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Asian Elephant Specialist Group, continuing her work to protect elephants and their habitats.
Her life story stands as a symbol of breaking gender barriers in traditional fields and making significant contributions to wildlife preservation.
