Renowned Indian biologist and wildlife conservationist Purnima Devi Barman has secured a prestigious spot on TIME Magazine's Women of the Year 2025 list. This global recognition celebrates influential leaders shaping a more equitable and sustainable world. Notably, Barman stands as the sole Indian woman on this year’s list, sharing the honor with global icons like actress Nicole Kidman and France’s Gisele Pelicot, a symbol of resilience against sexual violence.
Barman’s exceptional work in conserving the greater adjutant stork, locally known as Hargila, has not only safeguarded biodiversity but also empowered communities, especially women, across Assam. Her story exemplifies how grassroots conservation can transform
Early Life and Inspiration
Born in Pub Majir Gaon in Assam's Kamrup region, Dr. Barman's affinity for nature was nurtured during her childhood years spent with her grandmother on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Together, they explored paddy fields and wetlands, fostering a deep appreciation for the region's avian life. This early exposure to wildlife inspired her to pursue a Master's degree in Zoology from Gauhati University, specializing in Ecology and Wildlife Biology. en.wikipedia.org
🌿 Key Highlights of Purnima Devi Barman’s Conservation Journey
1. Global Recognition & Impact
- Named among TIME’s 13 Women of the Year 2025, representing India globally.
- Her conservation model extends influence beyond India, reaching Cambodia and France.
- Honored with prestigious awards like the Champions of the Earth Award (2022) and the Whitley Gold Award (2024).
2. The Turning Point: A 2007 Incident
In 2007, Barman witnessed the felling of a tree that housed greater adjutant stork nests. Despite opposition from locals, she remained determined to protect the species. This pivotal moment fueled her passion for conservation and community engagement, leading to the birth of a movement.
3. Conservation Success: Saving the Greater Adjutant Stork
Barman’s relentless efforts led to a remarkable increase in the stork population:
- From 450 in 2007 to over 1,800 by 2023.
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reclassified the stork’s status from Endangered to Near Threatened, marking a significant conservation success.
4. Formation of the 'Hargila Army'
Barman mobilized a 20,000+ strong network of women, known as the Hargila Army, dedicated to protecting stork nests. This initiative empowers women through:
- Community-driven conservation.
- Economic upliftment through sustainable livelihoods.
- Environmental education for future generations.
5. Cultural and Social Transformation
Barman seamlessly integrated conservation into Assamese culture by:
- Introducing stork chick baby showers, turning conservation into a cultural celebration.
- Promoting traditional Assamese textile weaving featuring stork motifs, boosting sustainable livelihoods for women.
- Transforming the Hargila stork into a symbol of pride in Assam.
6. International Influence
Barman’s conservation model now inspires schools in France and Cambodia, where children learn about her efforts. The Hargila Army movement has influenced global biodiversity projects, promoting community-led conservation worldwide.
🏆 Major Awards and Recognitions
| Year | Award Name | Presented By | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Future Conservationist Award | Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) | Recognized for her early contributions to wildlife conservation. |
| 2015 | Leadership Award | Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) | Honored for her outstanding leadership in conservation projects. |
| 2016 | UNDP India Biodiversity Award | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India | Awarded for her significant contributions to biodiversity conservation in India. |
| 2016 | RBS Earth Hero Award | Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) | Recognized as an Earth Hero for her dedication to environmental protection. |
| 2017 | Nari Shakti Puraskar | President of India | India’s highest civilian honor for women, celebrating her exceptional work in wildlife conservation. |
| 2017 | Whitley Award (Green Oscar) | Whitley Fund for Nature, presented by Princess Anne | International recognition for her grassroots conservation efforts. |
| 2018 | Yamin Hazarika Woman of Substance Award | Organizing Committee of Yamin Hazarika Award | Honored for her outstanding contribution to conservation and societal impact. |
| 2022 | Champions of the Earth Award (UNEP) | United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) | Recognized for her innovative and entrepreneurial approach to conservation. |
| 2023 | KidVeda Change Maker Award | KidVeda Group of Pre-Schools | Acknowledged for her remarkable contributions to positive societal impact through conservation. |
| 2024 | Whitley Gold Award (Green Oscar) | Whitley Fund for Nature | Awarded for her continued excellence in conservation, marking her second recognition by Whitley Fund. |
| 2025 | TIME’s Woman of the Year | TIME Magazine | Featured as one of the 13 most influential women worldwide for 2025. |
⏳ 7. TIME’s Selection Criteria
TIME’s Women of the Year are selected based on their contributions to:
- Gender equality.
- Climate action.
- Social justice.
Barman’s holistic approach, combining environmental conservation with community empowerment, perfectly aligns with these values.
⚡ Quick Summary: Why Purnima Devi Barman Stands Out
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Recognition | Named in TIME's Women of the Year 2025 list. |
| Field of Work | Wildlife Conservation & Community Empowerment. |
| Key Achievement | Protection and population growth of the Hargila stork. |
| Impact in Assam | Stork population rose from 450 (2007) to 1,800+ (2023). |
| Hargila Army | Mobilized 20,000+ women for stork conservation. |
| International Reach | Conservation model extended to France & Cambodia. |
| Cultural Shift | Conservation integrated into Assamese traditions. |
| TIME’s Recognition | Contribution to gender equality, climate action & social change. |
🌟 A Catalyst for Conservation and Social Change
Purnima Devi Barman’s inclusion in TIME's Women of the Year 2025 not only highlights her conservation achievements but also underscores her role as a catalyst for social transformation. Through the Hargila Army, she has:
- Empowered women across Assam.
- Fostered cultural pride in environmental conservation.
- Inspired global efforts for community-driven sustainability.
Her journey proves that environmental protection can drive sustainable development, uplift marginalized communities, and ignite global change. As the world celebrates her achievements, Barman continues to inspire future generations to protect nature and empower society.
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