By Staff Reporter, 1 October: Two mahouts from Manas National Park have earned international recognition, bringing pride to the Assam Forest Department, Manas Tiger Reserve, and the community of mahouts and ghasis who play a crucial role in wildlife conservation and protection.
The recognition was announced during the closing ceremony of a seven-day Comprehensive Training Programme for Mahouts and Ghasis, organised jointly by the Field Directorate of Manas Tiger Reserve and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) at Bansbari from September 24 to 30.
The event was attended by James Basumatary, Executive Member for Forest and Wildlife, BTC, Dr. Sonali Ghosh, IFS, Field Director of Manas Tiger Reserve, senior BTC officials, and wildlife experts.
The training programme was conducted by Padma Shri awardee Parbati Barua, retired DCF Bhupendra Nath Talukdar, and Dr. Bhaskar Choudhury, Chief Veterinary Officer of WTI. Participants received both theoretical and practical training on captive elephant management, health care, welfare, handling and training techniques.
A total of 27 participants, including three officials from Odisha, attended the programme. It was the first comprehensive training initiative of its kind at Manas Tiger Reserve, providing specialised skills in the management and welfare of captive elephants.
Speaking at the event, James Basumatary described the achievement as a proud moment for Assam, stating that the two mahouts had brought honour to both the Forest Department and the state on an international platform.
Certificates and badges were awarded to Ramanuj Barla and Md. Alam Ali after they successfully completed specialised training in handling captive-born elephant calves using animal cognition and positive reinforcement techniques. The training was conducted under the Human Elephant Learning Programs (H-ELP Foundation), Australia.
Following the successful completion of the programme, both Ramanuj Barla and Alam Ali have been recognised as “Master Mahouts”, making them qualified to train mahouts in different countries. Their experience and expertise gained at Manas will now contribute to international efforts in elephant care, management and welfare.
Dr. Sonali Ghosh announced that the two Master Mahouts will travel to the Chiang Mai Elephant Conservation Centre in Thailand to participate in an advanced training programme scheduled from October 29 to November 2, 2026.
The achievement highlights the critical role of frontline elephant handlers in wildlife conservation and reflects the growing recognition of traditional knowledge, field experience and modern scientific approaches to elephant management.
The Assam Forest Department congratulated Ramanuj Barla and Md. Alam Ali on their remarkable achievement and acknowledged the dedicated efforts of all mahouts and ghasis working tirelessly for wildlife conservation in Manas Tiger Reserve.
