Three achievers from Assam – the country’s first female elephant mahout, a folk artiste, and a farmer – have been named for the Padma Shri awards this year. Parbati Baruah, the woman mahout, has been chosen in the social work category, while Sarbeswar Basumatary has been recognized for his contribution to agriculture and folk artiste Drona Bhuyan has been named in the art category. According to information shared by Sarma on the awardees, the 67-year-old Baruah is the ‘first female elephant mahout who started taming the wild tuskers at the age of 14 to overcome stereotypes’, learning the skill from her father. She has stood out for her commitment towards mitigating human-elephant conflict with the help of the application of scientific practices, the post added. Details shared about Basumatary said that he is a ‘daily wager turned farmer who has evolved into a model for all in mixed integrated farming’. Demonstrating a community-focused approach, he has transmitted his knowledge and learning to other farmers, helping increase efficiency and uplift livelihoods. Basumatary, who runs his farm in Chirang, said, ‘I am very happy to be recognized as a farmer. If I have been able to win the Padma award as a farmer, nothing can give me more happiness.’