PRADIP KUMAR BHUYAN: President
pkbhuyan2014@gmail.com
Pradip Kumar Bhuyan, founding member of Hathi Bondhu, Assam - is professionally recognized for his relentless social and environmental activism be it, challenging unsustainable development of dams in North-east India, fighting to protect the cultural identity of indigenous communities in Assam, or trying to find unique yet successful ways of managing human-elephant conflict in the region. As a passionate nature lover, Pradip is on a quest to protect endangered Asian elephants in the wild and their habitats by promoting empathy, compassion, and co-existence. Pradip's mission for human-elephant conflict management is finding interventions that address the needs of both local communities and elephants in Assam.
ROON BHUYAN: Vice President
roonbhuyan@gmail.com
A wildlife photographer and conservationist, Roon has been documenting the unique ecology of birds and mammals of North East India for over a decade with many rare photographs to his credit. He has been a co-petitioner in several legal cases for environmental issues concerning the plight of wildlife, destruction of habitats and natural landscapes. Roon is one of the core members of Hati Bondhu, Assam and is on the constant lookout to build community, collaborate, and create greater environmental change for the future.
BINOD DULU BORA: Director of habitat restoration programs
dulubora54@gmail.com
Locally known as an environmental crusader, Binod dulu bora is a valued core member of Hati-Bondhu, Assam. Dulu has been rescuing and rehabilitating displaced and injured animals since he was a young boy. Today, he has successfully saved over 2500 species of animals, including elephants, from illegal wildlife trafficking and poaching and has earned the title of ‘honorary wildlife warden’ of Assam’s Nagaon district. Dulu has been actively involved in protecting the welfare of Asian elephants locally and currently heads all plantation and habitat restoration projects for Hati Bondhu, Assam.
LEONA MAINAO BHUYAN: Community development director and wildlife researcher
leonambhuyan@gmail.com
Leona is a passionate environmentalist with a postgraduate degree in environmental sustainability from the University of Edinburgh, UK.She is an active advocate for protecting wild elephants and is currently supervising our community development and sensitization training programs. With an academic interest in socio-ecological research, Leona is also currently exploring the role of community participation in human-elephant conflict management in Assam and believes that conservation challenges are best tackled through collaboration and inclusive participation.
MEGHNA MAYUR HAZARIKA : Field Coordinator and Project Supervisor
hazarikameghna11@gmail.com
Meghna is a nature lover and a dedicated field coordinator for Hati Bondhu, Assam. Spending months in the project sites, supervising plantation work during the day and observing elephant behavior at night - Meghna is a force to be reckoned with. She plays a key role in managing hati bondhu’s campaign to protect wild elephants and promote dialogue among local communities on peaceful co-existance and conflict management.
LOYA SINHA: Technical Head
BIPASA BARUAH: Communications Officer
PANKAJ SAIKIA : Technical Officer
NAYAN JYOTI DAS : I.T. and Technical Officer
Community Leaders who have contributed immensely in the activities of Hati Bondhu
SWARASWATI TERONPI
Community Leader & Member, Hati Bondhu - Swaraswati Teronpi, also fondly called ‘Aie’ (Mother) by the villagers of Ronghang Village. She mobilizes the womenfolk of the villages for the Hati Bondhu cause.
DHENSING HANSE
Community Leader & Member, Hati Bondhu - Dhensing Hanse, is the village ‘Gaon Bura’ or Headman of Ronghang Village and is a vital support for the Hati Bondhu activities in Hatikhuli area.
