Purnima Devi Barman is a renowned wildlife biologist from Assam, celebrated for her groundbreaking conservation efforts with the greater adjutant stork (Leptoptilos dubius), locally known as the hargila bird. As the founder of the Hargila Army, a pioneering all-female conservation initiative, Purnima has led a movement that has not only protected a critically endangered species but also empowered women in her community to take an active role in environmental conservation. Purnima’s journey as a conservationist began in 2007 when she was alerted about a tree set to be felled, which was home to a family of greater adjutant storks. Upon arriving at the site, Purnima found that the storks’ nests had fallen to the ground, and the local belief that these birds were a bad omen posed a significant threat to their survival. Despite facing opposition and anger from her community, Purnima’s determination to protect the birds marked the beginning of her lifelong mission to save the species.
Through the Hargila Army, Purnima has mobilised an extraordinary network of 20,000 women, who actively work to protect the storks’ nests and educate communities about the importance of preserving this unique species. The inspiring story of Purnima, who will join the conclave as the chief guest, will undoubtedly ignite a spark of passion and action at the mega event.
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