The only Indian woman recognized among 12 global honorees

Indian conservationist Purnima Devi Barman has earned a place on Time magazine’s Women of the Year 2025 list for her outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation. A native of Assam, she is the sole Indian woman among 12 global honorees recognized for their impact and leadership.

Who is Purnima Devi Barman?

1. Academic Background & Conservation Journey
   Born in Assam’s Kamrup region, Barman pursued a Master’s degree in zoology with a specialization in ecology and wildlife biology from Gauhati University. Her journey into conservation began in 2007 during her PhD research when she witnessed a landowner cutting down a tree containing a greater adjutant stork’s nest. Realizing that the bird was widely disliked due to its appearance and scavenging nature, she decided to pause her PhD and focus on changing public perception of the species.
2. Founder of the ‘Hargilla Army’
   Barman spearheaded multiple conservation initiatives, founding the Hargilla Army, a grassroots movement of local women dedicated to wildlife protection. She has also served as a Senior Wildlife Biologist at Aaranyak, leading conservation efforts for the greater adjutant stork. Additionally, she holds leadership roles as the Director of WiNN (Women in Nature Network) India and is a member of the IUCN Stork, Ibis, and Spoonbill Specialist Group.
3. Changing Perceptions & Community Involvement
   To ensure the stork’s survival, Barman focused on altering public attitudes toward the bird. Over 16 years, her Hargilla Army has grown to around 10,000 women, actively protecting nesting sites, rehabilitating injured storks, and even hosting “baby showers” to celebrate new hatchlings.
4. Conservation Impact & Women Empowerment
   Due to her relentless efforts, the greater adjutant stork has been reclassified from endangered to near threatened under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classification. Beyond conservation, her work has empowered local women by providing them with weaving looms and yarn, enabling them to create and sell textiles featuring hargilla motifs.
5. Recognitions & Awards
   Barman’s contributions have earned her several prestigious accolades. In 2017, she received India’s highest civilian honor for women, the Nari Shakti Puraskar, from former President Ram Nath Kovind. That same year, she was also awarded the Whitley Award, often called the “Green Oscar,” presented by Anne, Princess Royal of the United Kingdom. She has also been featured by National Geographic India for her conservation efforts.

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