Vineeta Rao
Auckland, March 20, 2025
Dr Purnima Devi Barman and her ‘Hargila Army’ or ‘Stork Sisters’ Movement rescued the Greater Adjutant Stork from the brink of extinction.
How many of us would set aside a doctorate to stand up for our principles?
Meet Purnima Devi Barman, a wildlife biologist from Assam, India. She has dedicated her life to the conservation of the greater adjutant stork, a species on the brink of extinction. Known locally as the Hargila, which means “bone swallower,” this large stork, one of the rarest in the world, has faced significant threats due to habitat loss, pollution, and human persecution.
Purnima’s journey is a remarkable tale of passion, perseverance, and community engagement, earning her the nickname “Hargila Baido” or “Stork Sister.”
Early Life and Education
Purnima was born in Pub Majir Gaon in the Kamrup region of Assam and pursued her higher education at Guwahati University, where she obtained a Master’s degree in Zoology with a specialization in Ecology and Wildlife Biology. Her academic journey laid the foundation for her future work in wildlife conservation
One act of brutality set her on the course of activism.
In 2007, while conducting her PhD research in the remote villages of Dadara, Pacharia, and Singimari in Assam, she witnessed a tree owner cutting down a tree containing a greater adjutant nest with nestlings inside. This incident was a turning point for Purnima, as she realised the dire need to protect these birds and their habitats.
The Greater Adjutant Stork gets its English name from its stiff, almost military gait when walking on the ground. It was once found in large numbers across southern Asia but now is limited to three breeding populations, two of which are in India. In 2007, when Purnima Devi began her research, there were just 27 of these rare birds in Assam.
The Hargila Army
Part of the problem was their reputation. As scavengers, the birds were considered unclean and often eradicated as pests. Determined to change the negative perception of the Greater Adjutant Stork among the local communities, Purnima postponed her PhD to focus on conservation education.
She founded the Hargila Army, an all-female conservation initiative that empowers women to protect and conserve the greater adjutant stork.
The Hargila Army has grown to include thousands of women who actively participate in conservation efforts, spreading awareness and protecting nesting sites. Today, there are close to 3000 birds in the country and the species, while not off the endangered species list entirely, have been bumped up to ‘Near Threatened.’
Community Engagement
Purnima’s approach to conservation is deeply rooted in community engagement. She integrated local culture and traditions into her conservation campaigns, presenting conservation messages during religious functions, cooking competitions, street plays, and community dances. By involving film celebrities and organizing celebrations for owners of nesting trees, she successfully garnered community support for the greater adjutant stork
Her education campaigns also targeted children and young adults, using games and activities to teach them about the ecological importance of the greater adjutant. Purnima developed a scholarship program for children of nesting tree owners, further incentivizing the protection of these birds
Recognition and Awards
How often can anyone claim to bring back a species from extinction? Not often, which is why Purnima’s relentless efforts have garnered many accolades. In 2017, she received the Whitley Award, often referred to as the “Green Oscar,” for her outstanding contribution to conservation.
The same year, she was honoured with the Nari Shakti Puraskar, the highest civilian award for women in India, presented by the President of India.
In 2022, Purnima was awarded the United Nation’s highest environmental honour, the Champions of the Earth Award, under the Entrepreneurial Vision category.
This recognition highlighted her innovative approach to conservation and her success in mobilizing communities to protect the greater adjutant stork
Legacy and Impact
Purnima Devi Barman’s work has had a profound impact on not just the species but also the region itself. Her efforts have not only helped increase the population of this endangered species but also empowered women and fostered a sense of community responsibility towards wildlife conservation.
The Hargila Army stands as a testament to the power of grassroots movements and the importance of involving local communities in conservation efforts. This indefatigable activist now plans to grow her army of stork sisters from 10,000 to 20,000 women and plans to expand her efforts across all the breeding populations of the bird, including Cambodia.
Purnima’s story proves that one person’s determination can indeed make a world of difference.
Vineeta Rao is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
