USTM Honors Padma Shri Parbati Baruah on World Social Work Day

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, March 19, 2024: The Department of Social Work at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) celebrated World Social Work Day with fervor and recognition, honoring distinguished individuals dedicated to social welfare. This year’s highlight was the presentation of the Social Work Excellence Award to Padma Shri Smt Parbati Baruah, a trailblazer in animal activism and India’s first female mahout.

The prestigious award ceremony, graced by Sri Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, IPS(Retd), State Chief Information Commissioner Assam, witnessed the presence of esteemed personalities including Prof GD Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM, and Dr Pradeep Ramavath, Associate Professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences Guwahati.

Expressing her gratitude upon receiving the award, Padma Shri Smt Parbati Baruah emphasized the importance of culture in life, reflecting on her own journey from the forests to becoming a renowned figure in animal welfare. Fondly known as Hasti Kanya, she shared insights into her life’s work, which has been highlighted in British writer Mark Shand’s book, “Queen of the Elephants.”

Smt Parbati Baruah’s remarkable achievements include her pioneering efforts as India’s first female elephant mahout, initiating her journey at the age of 14. Her dedication to mitigating human-elephant conflict has earned her widespread recognition, culminating in the prestigious Padma Shri in 2024 for her contributions to social work, particularly in animal welfare.

Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Sri Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta underscored the significance of social work in nurturing values and service to society, urging the younger generation to uphold traditional Indian values, including respect for elders.

The event featured a keynote address by Dr Pradeep Ramavath on the theme of “Buen Vivir: Shared Future for Transformative Change,” emphasizing harmony between humans and nature. Additionally, USTM’s Social Work students captivated the audience with a thought-provoking skit titled “Threads of Change,” while the inauguration of the department’s Wall Magazine added another dimension to the celebration.

The evening concluded with a vibrant cultural showcase, highlighting the diverse talents of the Social Work department’s students. The event served as a testament to USTM’s commitment to recognizing and honoring individuals like Padma Shri Parbati Baruah, whose exemplary dedication continues to inspire positive change in society.