Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, a distinguished wildlife biologist, has made history as the only Indian woman featured in TIME’s Women of the Year 2025 list. She isn’t just saving birds—she’s rewriting the rulebook on conservation! This unstoppable wildlife biologist from Assam has turned an "unlucky" bird into a national treasure and a symbol of empowerment. Her mission? To protect the greater adjutant stork (Hargila) while rallying an army of fierce, passionate women to fight for biodiversity. What started as a one-woman crusade has now become a 20,000-strong Hargila Army! With her fearless spirit, Dr. Barman’s conservation model has transformed both biodiversity preservation and social progress.

Born and raised near the mighty Brahmaputra River, Dr. Barman’s deep love for wildlife was nurtured by her grandmother, who instilled in her an appreciation for birds and biodiversity. This early passion led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Zoology at Gauhati University, where she laid the foundation for her groundbreaking work in conservation.

Saving the Greater Adjutant Stork: A Conservation Breakthrough

The greater adjutant stork (Hargila), once widespread across South and Southeast Asia, had dwindled to just a few hundred in Assam due to habitat destruction and negative superstitions. These large, scavenging birds were seen as harbingers of bad luck, leading villagers to destroy their nesting trees, accelerating their decline.

In 2007, Dr. Barman recognized that changing perceptions was the key to saving the species. Instead of a purely scientific approach, she tapped into culture, tradition, and emotions, transforming the stork’s image from a ‘bad omen’ to a symbol of pride. Her innovative outreach strategies—organizing community celebrations, folk songs, and awareness campaigns—helped people embrace the bird as part of their heritage.

Her efforts led to a remarkable increase in the stork’s population, with the bird’s status being officially moved from “endangered” to “near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)—a rare success story in modern conservation.

The Hargila Army: A Revolution Led by Women

Realizing that true conservation required community ownership, Dr. Barman went beyond traditional wildlife activism—she empowered women. She created the Hargila Army, a grassroots movement of over 20,000 women who play an active role in protecting the stork.

• These women are involved in:
  -Rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds
  -Planting and protecting nesting trees
  -Educating children and families about biodiversity
  -Celebrating the stork in local traditions

But perhaps the most transformative aspect of this movement is financial empowerment. Dr. Barman helped these women integrate conservation with sustainable livelihoods, teaching them to create and sell:

• Hargila-themed textiles
• Handicrafts
• Eco-friendly products

This initiative has improved their economic independence while reinforcing the stork’s importance in their daily lives, ensuring long-term conservation efforts.

Global Recognition and Awards

Dr. Barman’s work has earned her some of the highest environmental and women’s empowerment honors:
-Nari Shakti Puraskar (2017) – India’s highest civilian award for women
-Champions of the Earth Award (2022) – The UN’s highest environmental honor
-Whitley Gold Award (2024) – Known as the "Green Oscar"

Now, as the only Indian woman on TIME’s Women of the Year 2025 list, she stands alongside global changemakers!

Dr. Barman’s inclusion in TIME’s Women of the Year 2025 list places her among global changemakers such as Nicole Kidman, Jordan Chiles, and Claire Babineaux-Fontenot.

Through her relentless dedication, Dr. Barman has not only brought the greater adjutant stork back from the brink of extinction—moving its status from ‘endangered’ to ‘near threatened’ under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)—but also uplifted countless women in rural Assam. Her story showcases the power of grassroots activism, proving that environmental conservation and social progress can go hand in hand.

As Dr. Purnima Devi Barman continues her mission, she leaves behind an inspiring legacy—one where nature and humanity coexist harmoniously, and where women lead the way in safeguarding our planet’s future.