Dr. Purnima Devi Barman: The Only Indian Featured in TIME’s Women of the Year for Saving Endangered Storks. Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, a wildlife conservationist from Assam, has been honored as the only Indian featured in TIME’s Women of the Year list for her extraordinary efforts to save the greater adjutant stork, one of the world’s most endangered birds. Her journey, which began in 2007, has transformed the fate of these majestic birds and empowered thousands of women in the process.
A Life-Changing Moment
Barman’s mission began with a single phone call in 2007. She learned that a tree housing a family of greater adjutant storks was being chopped down in her hometown. When she arrived at the scene, she found a nest of endangered baby storks on the ground. Shocked, she confronted the man who cut down the tree, only to be told that the birds were considered bad omens, pests, and disease carriers.
The stork, locally known as hargila (bone swallower), is often found near garbage dumps, leading to its negative reputation. Barman’s neighbors were furious at her for questioning the man’s actions. “Everyone surrounded me, started whistling at me,” she recalls. But all she could think about were her infant twin daughters. Like the storks, they were small and vulnerable.
Touched by the baby storks’ heartbeats, Barman felt a deep connection to nature. “For the first time, I felt the importance—the call of nature,” she says. “From that day, my mission started.”
Reviving the Greater Adjutant Stork
At the time, there were only an estimated 450 greater adjutant storks left in the region. Thanks to Barman’s relentless efforts, the stork’s status has improved from “endangered” to “near threatened” under the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s classification. Their population in Assam has now soared to over 1,800.
Barman credits her success to the “Hargila Army,” a network of 20,000 women who protect the birds’ nests and educate communities about their importance. This grassroots movement has not only saved the storks but also empowered women by providing them with livelihoods.
The Hargila Army: A Movement of Empowerment
The Hargila Army has become a symbol of community-driven conservation. Members weave traditional dresses and shawls adorned with images of the storks, which they sell to earn a living. Barman proudly wears these garments, showcasing the cultural significance of the birds.
“This bird is now a part of our tradition and culture,” says Barman. From clothing and songs to celebrating baby showers for new chicks, the greater adjutant stork has become a cherished part of local life.
The movement has expanded beyond Assam, reaching other parts of India and even Cambodia. Schools as far as France teach students about Barman’s work, inspiring a new generation of conservationists.
A Global Recognition
Barman’s inclusion in TIME’s Women of the Year list is a testament to her impact on both wildlife conservation and community empowerment. Her story is a powerful reminder of how one person’s determination can spark a global movement.
“This recognition is not just for me but for the thousands of women in the Hargila Army who have worked tirelessly to protect these birds,” Barman says. “Together, we have shown that conservation is not just about saving species—it’s about creating a sustainable future for all.”
As Barman continues her work, she remains committed to expanding the Hargila Army’s reach and impact. Her vision is to create a world where humans and wildlife coexist harmoniously, and where women play a central role in conservation efforts.
