Purnima Devi Barman proposes ‘World Hargila Day’
Award-winning wildlife conservationist Purnima Devi Barman from Assam addressed the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) conference in Leipzig, proposing ‘World Hargila Day.’
Purnima Devi Barman , Assam’s very own award-winning wildlife conservationist, has made quite the splash at the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) conference in Leipzig, Germany. Barman, known for her tireless efforts in protecting the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork (Hargila), seized the moment to propose a new global initiative—‘World Hargila Day’—an annual celebration to bring attention to this magnificent yet underappreciated bird. She also laid out her ambitious vision to increase the Hargila population to 10,000 by the year 2035.
If that doesn’t sound like a lofty goal, consider this: Barman is the sort of woman who doesn’t just talk the talk, she marches straight through the door with banners, a plan, and—let’s be honest—a Gamosa draped elegantly over her shoulder. Her success isn’t only about saving a species, but about transforming entire communities in the process. And when I say communities, I’m talking about a battalion of Assamese women—the Hargila Army—who have rallied behind her to turn conservation into a movement of epic proportions.
In her first of three rousing lectures at the conference, Barman drew upon Assam’s rich cultural traditions, weaving tales of how these customs are intricately linked to the region’s biodiversity. With a gathering of over 1,000 conservationists, scientists, and zoo directors from across Europe, Purnima Devi Barman brought Assam’s natural beauty, cultural pride, and conservation struggles to the global stage. She was met with open arms and, no doubt, a fair share of eyebrows raised in admiration.
Speaking to the Ciconiiformes, Pelecaniformes, and Phoenicopteriformes TAG group (try saying that after a pint), Purnima Devi Barman detailed her transformational conservation model. Her secret weapon? Not cutting-edge technology or obscure wildlife laws, but community-based conservation, which she insists is the true game-changer. The star of her efforts is none other than the Greater Adjutant Stork, a species on the brink, and how she has managed to protect them by changing hearts and minds.
Now, we’ve all heard the saying, “Behind every great man is a great woman.” But in Barman’s case, it’s more like, “Behind every successful stork is an army of women”—and not just any women. These are the fearless fighters of the Hargila Army, who have become champions of conservation in Assam. In her second lecture, Purnima recounted how these women, once marginalised, have now become the torchbearers of environmental education in the region. It’s a classic story of empowerment—armed not with swords but with tradition and the power of community.
She wrapped up her talks with a third lecture that focussed on the coexistence of people and wildlife, underlining how her conservation model is not just a blueprint for stork preservation but could be adapted to save many other species. In what might be seen as her ‘pièce de résistance,’ Purnima Devi Barman proudly showcased the Hargila Headdress (Mukha)—a symbol of harmony between humans and storks—and the crowd couldn’t get enough of it. By the time she had donned the Assamese Gamosa and Mekhela Sador, she had the European audience not only listening but wanting to join her in a celebratory dance.
Barman’s passion for conservation is infectious, but it’s not just about storks. It’s about the people, especially the women, who have found their voice and purpose through her conservation work. As she continues to inspire globally, her vision is to elevate biodiversity conservation to a holistic, community-driven approach.
Invited for a one-month exchange programme at the Wilhelma Zoological and Botanical Garden in Stuttgart, Germany, it’s clear that Purnima Devi Barman is no ordinary conservationist. Having bagged the United Nations’ highest environmental honour, ‘Champion of the Earth,’ and two Green Oscars from the Whitley Fund for Nature, including one presented by none other than Princess Anne herself, she’s undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.
As we all know, the road to saving an endangered species is a long one, but with Purnima leading the way, you can bet your last penny that the Hargila and the women of Assam are marching towards a brighter future. And, by 2035, if her plan works, the skies will be filled with the soaring wings of the Greater Adjutant Stork, while communities around the globe celebrate the first ever World Hargila Day.
So, here’s to Purnima Devi Barman—a woman with a vision, an army behind her, and a whole lot of birds to save. World, take note!
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