Purnima Devi Barman from Assam Featured in The Times’ Women of the Year List for Conservation Efforts

Renowned wildlife biologist and conservationist Purnima Devi Barman from Assam has been named in The Times’ Women of the Year list, joining global icons such as actress Nicole Kidman and activist Fatou Baldeh. However, unlike many of the other honorees, Barman’s recognition comes from her tireless efforts in biodiversity conservation and community empowerment, particularly through her groundbreaking work in protecting the greater adjutant stork (Hargila).

Her journey, deeply intertwined with Assam’s natural ecosystem and local communities, showcases how grassroots conservation movements can have a lasting impact. Her relentless commitment has not only helped in reviving the population of the endangered species but has also empowered thousands of women by transforming conservation into a community-led movement.

A Childhood Passion Leading to Conservation Activism

Purnima Devi Barman’s connection with nature started early in her childhood. Inspired by her grandmother’s love for birds, she developed a keen interest in wildlife and the environment. Growing up in Assam, she often observed how people viewed the greater adjutant stork—locally known as Hargila—as an unwanted bird, often associated with bad luck.

This widespread superstition and lack of awareness led to the destruction of their habitat, with storks being killed or their nesting trees cut down. By the time Barman started her conservation efforts, the species was on the brink of extinction, with only around 450 individuals left in Assam.

Determined to challenge misconceptions and save the species, she chose to pursue wildlife conservation as her career and dedicated her life to protecting the Hargila.

The Hargila Army: A Model for Community-Led Conservation

Understanding that community involvement was the key to conservation success, Barman realized she needed local participation, especially from women, to protect the birds and their habitats. In 2007, she founded the Hargila Army, an all-women grassroots conservation movement that has now grown to over 20,000 members.

This initiative aimed to:

• Change public perception of the stork by educating people about its ecological importance.
• Protect nesting trees by involving locals in conservation efforts.
• Empower women economically through sustainable livelihoods.

To ensure long-term engagement, Barman introduced skill development programs for local women, where they were trained in weaving and crafting traditional Assamese textiles featuring Hargila motifs. These eco-friendly products became a source of income, turning conservation into a livelihood opportunity for rural women.

Remarkable Success in Saving the Greater Adjutant Stork

Barman’s conservation strategy has yielded impressive results, with the greater adjutant stork’s population increasing from 450 to over 1,800 in Assam over the years. This success also led to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) upgrading the bird’s status from “endangered” to “near threatened”.

Her efforts have received global recognition, with awards including:

• Whitley Award (2017) – Also known as the “Green Oscar”, for her outstanding conservation work.
• UN Champions of the Earth Award (2022) – The highest UN environmental honor, recognizing her commitment to wildlife protection.

Through her unwavering efforts, Purnima Devi Barman has not only safeguarded a species but has also empowered communities, proving that conservation and social development can go hand in hand.

Recognition in The Times’ Women of the Year List: A Testament to Her Impact

Being featured in The Times’ Women of the Year list is a major achievement for Purnima Devi Barman. It highlights how environmental activism and grassroots conservation can make a global impact.

This recognition also brings greater visibility to the need for protecting endangered species, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions like Assam. Barman’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring conservationists, proving that one person’s dedication can create a powerful movement.

Purnima Devi Barman’s recognition in The Times’ Women of the Year list is a well-deserved honor, reflecting her extraordinary contribution to conservation and community empowerment. Her story demonstrates how a single determined individual can mobilize thousands to create lasting environmental change.

By saving the greater adjutant stork, she has not only protected an endangered species but has also helped transform the lives of thousands of rural women in Assam. Her work remains a beacon of hope, showing the world that true conservation success comes from the harmonious coexistence of people and nature.

As she continues her mission, Barman’s legacy will inspire future generations of conservationists, ensuring that the Hargila Army remains a powerful force for wildlife preservation and women’s empowerment in Assam and beyond.