Assam's Purnima Barman among The Times’ Women of the Year
Purnima Devi Barman, an Assamese biologist and conservationist, has been named among The Times’ Women of the Year. Recognised for her efforts in protecting the greater adjutant stork, she has empowered thousands of women through conservation-driven livelihood initiatives, ensuring both ecological and social transformation in her community.
News Arena Network - Guwahati - UPDATED: February 21, 2025, 02:43 PM - 2 min read
Conservation biologist from Assam, Dr Purnima Devi Barman. File photo.
Assam’s noted biologist and wildlife conservationist, Purnima Devi Barman, has been named among The Times’ Women of the Year, joining global figures such as actress Nicole Kidman and activist Fatou Baldeh.
Her contributions, however, lie not in glamour but in relentless efforts to conserve the greater adjutant stork and uplift local communities.
I am overwhelmed with joy and emotions. TIME Women of the Year 2025 is a victory for every Indian woman and every girl who dares to dream. Thank you so much @TIMEpic.twitter.com/DfwcAG02Z4
Barman’s passion for wildlife was nurtured from childhood, influenced by her grandmother’s deep love for birds.
This early inspiration led her to dedicate her career to the protection of the greater adjutant stork, locally known as ‘Hargila’, once a critically endangered species with fewer than 450 individuals in Assam.
Through her sustained efforts, the species’ status has been upgraded from “endangered” to “near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with the population now exceeding 1,800 in the region.
In 2007, recognising the need for community involvement in conservation, Barman founded the Hargila Army, a grassroots movement comprising over 20,000 women.
The initiative focuses on protecting stork nests, fostering awareness, and creating economic opportunities for women through traditional crafts such as shawls and garments featuring stork motifs.
Barman’s conservation strategy has extended beyond Assam, influencing similar initiatives across India and as far as Cambodia.
Schools worldwide have begun integrating her work into their environmental education curricula.
Conservation biologist from Assam, Dr Purnima Devi Barman feeding a Greater Adjutant Stork.
Her dedication has earned her global recognitions. In 2016, she received the UNDP India Biodiversity Award and the Royal Bank of Scotland's 'Earth Hero Award' under the 'Save the Species' category.The following year, 2017, saw her honoured with the Nari Shakti Puraskar, India's highest civilian award for women, and the Whitley Award, often referred to as the 'Green Oscar'.In 2022, Dr Barman was bestowed with the United Nations Environment Programme's 'Champions of the Earth' award in the 'Entrepreneurial Vision' category.Most recently, in 2024, she received her second Whitley Gold Award for her continued dedication to wildlife conservation.
Speaking on the impact of her work, Barman emphasised the broader significance of conservation efforts.
“The real success is not just in saving a species, but in empowering communities to value and protect their natural heritage,” she stated.
Celebrating the feat, Congress MP from Jorhat constituency in Assam and Deputy Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi tweeted, "My heartfelt congratulations to Purnima Devi Barman ji for being the only Indian recognised in The Times Women of the Year 2025 list. Her dedication to conservation, particularly her efforts to protect the greater adjutant stork, is truly commendable. Assam and India take immense pride in her remarkable achievements."
My best wishes to Purnima Devi Barman ji for being the only Indian on @TIME Women of the Year 2025 list. Her dedication to conservation, especially protecting the greater adjutant stork, is truly inspiring. Assam and India are proud of her achievements. pic.twitter.com/Qovdug3n5d
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