Purnima Devi Barman, an Indian biologist from Assam, has earned a prestigious spot on Time magazine’s Women of the Year 2025 list, becoming the only Indian woman to receive this honour. Recognized for her exceptional conservation efforts, particularly in saving the critically endangered Greater Adjutant stork, locally known as the Hargila, Barman’s work has transformed the conservation landscape of Northeastern India.
The recognition places Barman among global trailblazers such as Nicole Kidman, Jordan Chiles, and Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, who will be honoured at the Women of the Year Leadership Forum and Gala in Los Angeles in February 2025. “It was an incredible honour to be among such extraordinary women leaders who are driving change in the world. I am humbled and grateful,” Barman shared with ND24.
Barman founded the Hargila Army, a grassroots initiative composed of over 20,000 members, mainly women, dedicated to protecting the Hargila. This species, with fewer than 1,800 individuals left, is vital for waste management, disease control, and nutrient cycling but has long been overlooked in favour of more popular megafauna like rhinos and tigers. By involving local communities in conservation efforts, Barman has empowered people to actively protect these birds and their habitats.
“I grew up with my grandmother, who instilled in me a deep love for nature. It was with her that I first saw the Hargila, and that moment filled me with joy,” Barman recalled. “While the world focused on more popular animals, I decided to dedicate myself to saving the Hargila. To some, it may seem like an ugly stork, but to me, it’s the most beautiful bird in the world.”
Barman’s innovative approach has not only changed the perception of the Hargila but has also fostered a sense of ownership among local communities. She encourages everyone, especially women, to protect the trees and habitats that these birds rely on. “We all can contribute to saving nature. Even in your backyard, you can make a difference,” she said.
Her work has earned recognition from conservation bodies, with the Greater Adjutant now listed as “near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as of 2023. In 2007, Barman’s conservation journey was sparked by a call about a tree being cut down, home to a family of Greater Adjutant storks. Despite local resistance and criticism, Barman felt an intense calling to protect the species. “For the first time, I felt the call of nature. That was the start of my mission to save the Hargila,” she said.
Barman’s tireless advocacy has successfully shifted Hargila’s image from a nuisance to a vital part of the ecosystem. Her work has also demonstrated the power of grassroots activism in conservation, proving that when local communities are empowered, they can play a crucial role in environmental protection.
Barman’s contributions have earned her numerous prestigious accolades, including the Nari Shakti Puraskar (2017), India’s highest civilian honour for women, the Champions of the Earth Award (2022) from the UN, and the Whitley Gold Award in 2024, often referred to as the “Green Oscar.”
Her story exemplifies how grassroots activism, scientific expertise, and cultural change can create a ripple effect that impacts the global community. Barman’s efforts not only protect endangered species but also uplift local communities, showing the immense power of collective action in tackling environmental challenges.
