Hailing from Assam, Dr. Kushal Konwar Sarma is the Head of the Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary Science, AAU, Khanapara. Widely known as ‘Elephant Doctor’, he was recently awarded the 2019 Padma Shri Award by the Government of India for his outstanding contribution in the field of wildlife treatment and Asian Elephant conservation. According to reports, Dr. Sarma has traveled around 5 lakh kilometers, mostly in the jungles of Assam, and has spent countless weekends, treating and taming nearly 10,000 elephants.
How do you think this award will boost the work you are involved in?
I am blessed and honoured to be bestowed the Padma Shri award; it was unexpected. This award has given a big push to my work, encouraging me to take up more elephant conservation work. It has, in a sense, increased my responsibility towards elephants. I hope that this honour will also inspire more people to work on elephant conservation or wildlife conservation in general.
How and when did you start working with elephants in Assam? How many elephants have you helped till date?
Since my childhood, I had an emotional connection with elephants. We had an elephant named Lakshmi at our home with whom I used to play around. When I reached high school, she died of an infection. I was shaken by her death. I would dream of elephants almost every night. That time, I did not know that elephants were going to become part of my destiny.
Denne historien er fra February 2021-utgaven av Eclectic Northeast.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 2021-utgaven av Eclectic Northeast.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Time For Home Improvement!
Here are some home improvement projects that even absolute beginners will get right
Coping With Anxiety
Here are a few ways that you can deal with anxiety that you may be feeling because of the on-going pandemic
The Spread Continues
According to official reports, African Swine Fever has killed more than 1,700 pigs in Mizoram
Take the Unexplored Path
If you are looking for an underrated destination to explore this year, plan a trip to the charming town of Likabali
The Lotus Blooms Again
The Congress-led grand alliance bites dust in Assam as BJP retains power again in 2021
Painting Heritage
An up-and-coming artist from Nagaland wants to share his culture and heritage through works of art
MUSINGS OF A SOLDIER: TIT-BITS
People often ask me about my life out of uniform. Honestly, I have had no problems. Not so far. Instead, I find it quite refreshing. No routine, no parades, no briefing, no impending operations. Having donned the uniform since the age of thirteen until I hung up my boots last year, could I ever visualize life out of uniform? Not really. But, as I said, the transition has been quite smooth–no hang-overs, no regrets. People have been very positive in their interactions. Government departments have been responsive whenever I have approached for assistance.The genuine respect for the uniform is quite evident and it makes my heart swell with pride. Arunachal, to that extent, is the most nationalistic state in the country, I daresay. It has been kind of a revelation for me to experience the freedom of being a common man in an environment of positivity!
Look Good, Feel Good!
Here are four cruelty-free makeup brands that deserve a spot in your vanity bag
Face-to-Face With Conflict
In ‘Bulletproof: A Journalist’s Notebook on Reporting Conflict’, award winning journalist and author Teresa Rehman shares her experience of reporting from a conflict-ridden region
Bringing the Family Together
Tabletop games will encourage your family to take some time away from the screen and reconnect with each other
