Wildlife biologist Purnima Devi Barman founded the Hargila Army, a women-led conservation movement in Assam dedicated to protecting the endangered Greater Adjutant stork, locally known as the Hargila. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a network of over 20,000 women.
The movement transformed local perceptions of the bird, once considered a bad omen, through awareness campaigns, habitat protection, community celebrations and conservation-linked livelihoods. Women who were once homemakers and weavers became active guardians of nesting sites and biodiversity.
The Hargila Army’s efforts have played a major role in reviving the Greater Adjutant population in Assam, with nesting sites expanding significantly over the years. The initiative has also empowered thousands of rural women through leadership opportunities and income-generating activities.
Purnima Devi Barman’s work has earned global recognition, including the UN Champions of the Earth Award, the Whitley Gold Award and a place among TIME’s Women of the Year 2025, making her a global symbol of community-led conservation.
