Assam Conservationist Dr. Purnima Devi Barman Receives Global Recognition
Dr. Purnima Devi Barman Honored with the 2026 Wayfinder Award
Guwahati, June 10: Esteemed wildlife biologist and conservation advocate Dr. Purnima Devi Barman has been selected as one of the 15 global recipients of the distinguished 2026 Wayfinder Award, an honor bestowed by the National Geographic Society in collaboration with Kia America.
Dr. Barman is set to receive this accolade during the National Geographic Society's Spotlight event, scheduled from June 14 to 18 in Washington, D.C. She will arrive in the U.S. capital on June 13 to partake in the award ceremony and engage with attendees.
This award celebrates innovators from across six continents whose contributions in science, conservation, education, and storytelling are pivotal in promoting environmental protection and fostering a sustainable future.
As the founder of the all-female conservation group Hargila Army, Dr. Barman has been recognized for her groundbreaking community-driven initiatives aimed at safeguarding the endangered greater adjutant stork (Leptoptilos dubius), known locally as the hargila.
This recognition arrives at a poignant moment for Dr. Barman, who recently experienced the loss of her father, Subedar Major Bhabani Kanta Sarma, a distinguished veteran of the Indian Army and participant in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
In tribute to her father, Dr. Barman expressed, "Just days before receiving this honor, I lost my beloved father. He was my greatest source of strength, discipline, and inspiration. This recognition carries a special message to him, and I hope I have made him proud."
She emphasized that this award is a testament to the women of the Hargila Army and the people of Assam who have been instrumental in supporting the conservation efforts over the years.
Dr. Barman's journey in conservation began over 20 years ago when she recognized that the greater adjutant stork, often seen as a harbinger of bad luck, could only be preserved by altering public perceptions and embedding the bird into local culture and community identity.
She rallied village women, equipping them as conservation leaders and establishing a movement that has successfully increased the number of nesting sites from 27 to over 300.
Throughout the last 25 years, she has spearheaded a grassroots initiative involving more than 20,000 women committed to protecting the bird and its environment.
Through habitat preservation, environmental education, community management of nesting areas, and sustainable livelihood programs, the Hargila Army has significantly improved the conservation status of the species, becoming a celebrated model of community-led conservation worldwide.
Currently, Assam hosts the largest breeding colony of greater adjutant storks globally. Under Dr. Barman's guidance, the population of these birds in the state has surged to over 1,800, while numerous women have gained financial independence through weaving cooperatives that create textiles adorned with hargila designs.
Her accolades include the United Nations Champions of the Earth Award (2022), the Whitley Gold Award (2024), and being named among Time magazine's Women of the Year (2025).