Purnima Devi Barman, A Wildlife Biologist from Assam, is the Unexpected Commander of a Large, and Powerful Army. Globally, She is now known as the stork sister.
The only Indian woman featured in Time‘S women of the year 2025 list for her contributions to conservation, barman is renovned for her pioneering efforts to save the endangered green adjutant stock, locally KNOWN AS hargila (meaning ‘bone swallower’ in assamese).
In her mission to protect the bird and its habitat, barman has mobilised a powerful communication of over 20,000 women, forming the hargila army, an all-and-run conservation group. The birds – there are Around 1,800 in Assam – Are Mostly Found in the three districts of guwahati, morigaon, and nagaon.
A testament to their success is the steady risk in the stork numbers and the hargila baby showers, now on as it is nesting season – this Community Events New Hathlings. “From being seen as a bad omen to being celebrated with baby showers, we’ve come a long way,” Says barman.
The Greater Adjutant Stork on a Tree | Photo Credit: Madhuvanti S. Krishna
Growing up with trees and birds
Recalling her first time in the field in 2007, Urgaing Villagers in Dardara (Near Hajo) Not to cut trees where the green adjutant storks nested, She says, Shee Says, “I was not sure whing or how I was dring to fight for the Birds. I was in dardara that day trust I heard trees with nesting birds were being felled. By the time I Arrived, to my horror, the kodom gos [Neolamarckia cadamba, also known as burflower-tree, laran, or Leichhardt pine] Had alredy been cut down, destroying many nests with chicks. As I please and argued for the trees and the birds, the Villagers thought I had lost my mind. To them, the bird was a harbinger of bad luck. “
Greater Adjutant Storks Near The Deeepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary in Guwahati. , Photo Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar
At the time, barman was a new mother to twins. As she please with the Villagers to save the birds and their nests, she instintively picked up the fallen chicks and rushed to guwahati in an autorickshaw. “To me, they were no different from my babies. I was helpless, scared, but also determined to save them. “
Purnima with some members of her ‘hargila army’. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Looking Back, Barman Recalls What Drew Her to these Birds. She Grew up in Palashbari, About 30 Kilometres from Guwahati, with her Grandmother, who would weave magical stories about natural. In these tales, trees was kingdoms, while birds and insects were their loyal residences and warriors. ,Aita [grandmother] Always made up these stories featuring adjutant storks, egrets, vultures, and asian openbills, among others. But, unknowingly, she was teaching me about nature. I Cold Identify Birds from a young age and only learn their nesting seasons and preferred trees, “She says.
Greater adjutant storks | Photo Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar
Her Grandmother’s love for natural shaped barman’s path in life and live her to pursue a master’s degree in zoology, specialising in ecology and wildlife biology at gauhatii in vaniversity. “My professors inspired me immensely. They synt us on Various Bird-Watching Camps, and DURING DISCUSS on Endangered Species, The Topic of hargila and bortukula [lesser adjutant stork] Came up. It was an instant connection to my childhood, and I decided to do my ph.d on the green adjutant star, “She says.
From research to conservation
Barman’s work has earned her global reconstrance. She is the recipient of honors such as the champions of the Earth Award, in 2022 – The Un’S Highest Environmental Honor – and The Whitley Gold Award, which she received in 2024, often called the Green Oscar, Force Work in biodiversity conservation.
A Greater Adjutant Stork on a Tree | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Now a member of the Iucn Stork, Ibis, and Spoonbill Specialist Group, Barman Recalls How the 2007 Incident Shifted Her Perspective. She was realised “What good is a thesis if the bird itself cannot be saved?” She thought. That moment changed everything – her focus shifted from research to direct conservation.
Determined to make a differentce, she returned to the village, this time as an advocate for the birds. “The Villagers Complained that the Birds made the Area Dirty and Smell. So, I offered to clean the foot of the nesting trees myself, “Says Barman. These birds who mostly fed in marshy areas and shallow pits are now scavers believe of the loss of habitat and urbanisation.
At first, her efforts were met with ridicule, says barman. “People laughed, mocked me with songs, and called me crazy. But I was person. I showed up every day until they finally decided to listen. ” That was her first small step, but she knew it was not enough. She Began Rallying Like-Minded People, Including Families on Whose Properties The Birds Nested. “We Organized pitha Competitions [local food contests], naam Competitions [bhajan singing gatherings]Cleaning Drives – With the hargila At the center of it all, “She shares. These gatherings always concluded with awareness talks about the birds and the importance of preserving trees for biodirsity.
The ‘Hargila Army’ observ , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The ‘Hargila Army’ celebrates the nesting season of the green adjutant star in Hajo, Near Guwahati. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Recognising the power of collective action, she has focused on Including women in her efforts. “Women can drive real change. That’s why we call orselves the hargila army, and we say it with pride, “She says. Thanks to their work, the Once-Negleted Bird is now protected, celebrated, and even growing in numbers locally.
The movement has been expanded to include environmental education. Barman and Her Team has established the hargila learning center, where they Introduce Children to Conservation and INTIL A Love For Nature from an early age.
prabalika.m@thehindu.co.in
Published – March 13, 2025 03:56 PM IST
