India, a land steeped in rich traditions and cultural heritage has a history intertwined with the majestic elephant. Parbati Baruah is India’s first female elephant mahout, check out her biography
In the heart of Assam, a remarkable woman has etched her name in history as India’s first female elephant mahout. Parbati Baruah, affectionately known as ‘Hasti Kanya,’ has been bestowed with the prestigious Padma Shri award in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to animal conservation.
Who is Parbati Baruah first female elephant mahout from Assam, biography, age, family, parents, husband and hometown birth place
Now 67-years-old, Baruah, who is also known as Hasti Kanya, hails from Gauripur in Assam and she was born in an Assamese zamindar family with a centuries-old link with elephants, and began playing with them while a child. Her father, Prakritesh Barua, is an internationally acclaimed elephant expert.
In the 1970s, she married a bank employee, Pulin Das, but didn’t stay with him very long.
Among the long list of Padma Shri awardees, our Parbati Baruah from Assam is also there. She is known as ‘Hasti Kanya’ (daughter of elephant). She is India’s first woman elephant mahout. Mahout means a person who drives, trains and looks after elephants. #PadmaShri pic.twitter.com/WFaTN3ggZ2
— Biraj Lahkar (@birajlahkar) January 27, 2024
Hailing from Gauripur, Assam, the connection of Parbati Baruah with elephants’ dates back to her early childhood. Born into a family that once showcased their status through the ownership of these gentle giants, she developed a profound bond with them.
Beyond the symbolic display of wealth, Parbati’s fascination with elephants led her to a path less trodden. Her late father, Prakritish Chandra Barua, a renowned authority on elephants globally, played a pivotal role in introducing her to the intricate world of elephant care when she was a mere fourteen years old.
The Baruah family had been involved in the capture and sale of these magnificent creatures until governmental regulations intervened. Parbati’s childhood was marked by playing with elephants and growing up in an environment where these creatures were more than mere symbols of royalty; they were family.
The royal families of Bhutan, Cooch Behar, and Jaipur were counted among her family’s clients in the bygone era when capturing and trading elephants were permissible.
Parbati’s journey took a transformative turn when she decided to challenge gender norms and enter a field predominantly dominated by men. In 1975, at the age of fourteen, she accomplished the extraordinary feat of taming her first elephant in the dense forests of Kochugaon, Assam.
This marked the beginning of a journey where she fearlessly ventured into the wild terrains of North Bengal and Assam, independently taming fourteen wild elephants between 1975 and 1978. Her prowess as an elephant mahout was not confined to taming alone; she played a crucial role in tending to and nursing newly tamed elephants on behalf of forest officers.
Parbati’s story is not just one of breaking gender barriers but also a narrative of deep commitment to wildlife conservation. Her initiatives have gone beyond taming elephants; she has actively participated in endeavors to improve the living conditions of these majestic creatures. Her life’s work has become a beacon of hope for elephants in regions like Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Darrang, and Kochugaon.
Parbati Baruah’s latest news
The recent announcement of the Padma Shri award for Parbati Baruah is not just a recognition of her individual achievements but also a celebration of the unsung heroes who work tirelessly for the welfare of our planet’s diverse fauna
As India applauds its first woman elephant mahout, Parbati Baruah’s journey serves as an inspiration for generations to come.