Purnima Devi Barman

UN's highest environmental honour Champion of the Earth from UNEP.
Green Oscars .
Nari Shakti awardee from Govt of India
Time Magazine Women of the Year 2025

[Purnima Devi Barman @StorkSister]

My gratitude to all for all your love and blessings !
I dedicate this honour to all my people of Assam and all our women who support and bless us abundantly!
#whitleygoldawards2024
#greenoscars
#sharedfuture

[Susanta Borgohain @borgohainSBG]

Heartiest congratulations to Purnima Devi Barman Dangoriyani, fondly known as ‘Hargila Baideu’, on being honoured with the 2026 Wayfinder Award by the National Geographic Society.
This prestigious recognition is a testament to her outstanding efforts in nature conservation, especially her remarkable work in protecting the Greater Adjutant Stork (Hargila). Wishing her continued success in her mission to safeguard our natural heritage.

[Chief Minister Assam @CMOfficeAssam]

Celebrating a proud moment for Assam as Purnima Devi Barman is honoured with the National Geographic Society’s 2026 Wayfinder Award, recognising her globally acclaimed conservation work.

Read: https://t.co/6v3LoSvKkK

[The Assam Tribune @assamtribuneoff]

Renowned Assam-based wildlife biologist @StorkSister has been named one of the 15 global recipients of the prestigious 2026 Wayfinder Award, presented by the National Geographic Society and Kia America.

#assam #Hargila #TheAssamTribune

https://t.co/aXsLwtgSi9

[Gauhati University @GauhatiUniv]

অসমৰ বাবে গৌৰৱৰ ক্ষণ।

বিশিষ্ট পৰিৱেশকৰ্মী তথা হাড়গিলা আৰ্মিৰ প্ৰতিষ্ঠাপক ড⁰ পূৰ্ণিমা দেৱী বৰ্মনক ২০২৬ বৰ্ষৰ 'Wayfinder Award' ৰে সন্মানিত কৰাটো অসম তথা গুৱাহাটী বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ৰ বাবে এক গৌৰৱময় আৰু স্মৰণীয় মুহূৰ্ত।

হাড়গিলা সংৰক্ষণৰ ক্ষেত্ৰত তেওঁৰ অনন্য নেতৃত্ব, সমাজভিত্তিক অংশগ্ৰহণ আৰু পৰিৱেশ সুৰক্ষাৰ প্ৰতি অবিচল দায়বদ্ধতাই কেৱল অসমকেই নহয়, সমগ্ৰ বিশ্বত এক অনুপ্ৰেৰণাদায়ক উদাহৰণ স্থাপন কৰি আহিছে।

গুৱাহাটী বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ৰ পৰিয়ালৰ তৰফৰ পৰা ড⁰ পূৰ্ণিমা দেৱী বৰ্মনক আন্তৰিক অভিনন্দন তথা শুভেচ্ছা জ্ঞাপন কৰিছোঁ।

#Environment
#Conservation
#Hargila
#Assam
#WayfinderAward

@ngmahanta @StorkSister @moefcc @InsideNatGeo @UNEP

[The Assam Tribune @assamtribuneoff]

Renowned Assam-based wildlife biologist and conservationist Dr Purnima Devi Barman has been named one of the 15 global recipients of the prestigious 2026 Wayfinder Award, presented by the National Geographic Society and Kia America.

Read: https://t.co/4tI2bBQcVn

#assam #Hargila #TheAssamTribune

@StorkSister

[Purnima Devi Barman @StorkSister]

@GauhatiUniv Thank you so much @GauhatiUniv

[GPlus @guwahatiplus]

NEWS | Renowned wildlife biologist and conservationist Purnima Devi Barman from #Assam has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2026 #WayfinderAward.

Read: https://t.co/EBKYDQa6cP

@StorkSister @CMOfficeAssam

[The Logical Indian @LogicalIndians]

Dr Purnima Devi Barman (@storksister ) from Assam has been named a recipient of the National Geographic Society’s 2026 Wayfinder Award for her work in conserving the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork (Hargila). Her women-led Hargila Army has driven community action across Assam, helping improve nesting protection and revive populations in key colonies.

👉🏼 Conservation Impact -

Conservation efforts led by Dr Barman and the Hargila Army have helped increase nesting numbers in key Assam colonies from around 28 to over 250, according to conservation reports. The initiative focuses on protecting nesting trees, rescuing chicks, and changing community attitudes toward the species.

👉🏼 Background Story -

Dr Barman began her work after witnessing nesting trees being cut down, reportedly linked to negative perceptions of the bird. She paused her academic research to build a grassroots movement centred on awareness, education and women’s participation.

👉🏼 The Logical Indian’s Perspective -

This recognition highlights the power of community-led conservation and empathy-driven action. As biodiversity faces growing threⱥts, can local participation become the strongest tool for protecting endangered species in India and beyond?

#HargilaRevival #PurnimaDeviBarman #WayfinderAward2026 #WildlifeConservation #Assam #TheLogicalIndian

[Nang Lucky Gogoi/নাং লাকী গগৈ @nanglucky]

Heartiest congratulations to Purnima Devi Barman, distinguished wildlife biologist and conservationist, on being named a recipient of the prestigious 2026 Wayfinder Award presented by the National Geographic Society and Kia America.
A celebrated conservation champion from Assam, she has earned global recognition for her remarkable efforts in protecting and restoring the population of the Greater Adjutant Stork (Hargila), inspiring communities and advancing wildlife conservation through her dedication and leadership.
Wishing her continued success in her mission to safeguard biodiversity and bring pride to Assam and India.

@StorkSister 🙏

[Purnima Devi Barman @StorkSister]

Honourable Sir, Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. Grateful for your support and faith in community led conservation. This honour belongs to all our communities , all our women hargila army and people of Assam who coexist with nature . @jayanta_malla

[Jayanta Mallabaruah @jayanta_malla]

In an era where environmental challenges are growing more complex and urgent, the recognition of Dr. Purnima Devi Barman with the 2026 'Wayfinder Award' serves as a powerful reminder that conservation is not achieved through policies and institutions alone. While governments play a critical role in protecting forests, wildlife, and ecosystems, the long-term success of conservation ultimately depends on the participation, ownership, and commitment of communities.

Dr. Barman's remarkable journey with the Greater Adjutant Stork, or Hargila, demonstrates how one individual's vision can inspire a movement capable of transforming both landscapes and lives. At a time when the bird was widely misunderstood and its future uncertain, she chose not only to protect a species but also to change perceptions, build trust, and create a sense of pride around a shared natural heritage.

What makes her achievement particularly significant is that it highlights a fundamental truth of conservation: people must be at the heart of environmental stewardship. By mobilising thousands of women through the Hargila Army, she showed that conservation can become a vehicle for social empowerment, economic opportunity, and community participation. The revival of the Greater Adjutant Stork population is therefore not merely a wildlife success story, it is an example to the power of collective action.

Across the world, the most enduring conservation successes have emerged when scientific knowledge is combined with community participation. Dr. Barman's work exemplifies this approach, demonstrating that conservation becomes truly sustainable when people themselves become custodians of nature.

Her recognition is not only a personal honour but also a global acknowledgement of the importance of grassroots conservation. As we strive to protect biodiversity and address the environmental challenges of the future, we will need more such champions who can bridge the gap between policy and people, between science and society. Their efforts complement institutional initiatives and strengthen the broader conservation movement, ensuring that our natural heritage is preserved for generations to come.

@StorkSister

[Purnima Devi Barman @StorkSister]

While spending time with children at we had fun mimicking the fascinating bill-clattering sound of the Hargila (Greater Adjutant Stork).
Through these playful moments, children learn to connect with nature and develop a love for Hargila and other birds.

[Purnima Devi Barman @StorkSister]

Deeply honoured and humbled to have been a part of this beautiful World Environment Day celebration in advance at Faculty Senior Secondary School in collaboration with Soroptimist organisation . The love, respect, and affection showered upon the Hargila and its conservation journey touched my heart beyond words.

[Samagra Shiksha Assam @Samagra_Assam]

Just 03 Days to Go!

Join renowned conservationist Dr. Purnima Devi Barman as she shares stories, solutions, and hope for a thriving planet in the 12th Episode of the Samagra Shiksha Assam Podcast Series.

From Awareness to Action: Conserving Our Ecosystems.

5 June 2026 | 2:00 PM

Because protecting nature isn't someone else's responsibility—it's everyone's.

Watch Live on:
* Tele Education Classroom
* Smart Classroom
* YouTube
* Facebook
📷 Join Live:
https://t.co/xuFhCjVO8b

#WorldEnvironmentDay2026 #3DaysToGo #conservenature

@EduMinOfIndia
@CMOfficeAssam
@diprassam

[Purnima Devi Barman @StorkSister]

Do you remember seeing your grandmother weaving a Mat or Kotha on the family loom during your childhood?

Today, we are bringing this beautiful tradition back to life.

We are weaving traditional mats from old and unused clothes such as Mekhela Sadors, sarees, kurtas, dresses and other fabrics. What was once considered waste is now being transformed into beautiful, useful mats while creating livelihoods for rural women and reducing textile waste.

We invite you to support our Old Cloth, New Life Initiative by donating your clean and unused clothes.

📅 Cloth Collection Drive: 5 June🚚 Home Collection: And next Sunday📞 Rajesh Das: what’s app : 91 60000 95606

You may also drop off your donations at:📍 Stork Sister Store📍 Dadara Hargila Army Pathshala

Together, let us give old clothes a new life, preserve a cherished weaving tradition, and support the hands that keep our heritage alive.

#5thjune #wastesegregation #Mat #hargilaarmy #womenweaver #Sustainibility

[Samagra Shiksha Assam @Samagra_Assam]

From Awareness to Action: Conserving Our Ecosystems.

On the occasion of World Environment Day 2026, join us for the 12th Episode of the Samagra Shiksha Assam Podcast Series as we explore the importance of environmental conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable ecosystems.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, Biologist & Conservationist.

Learn from one of India's leading conservationists as Dr. Brman shares inspiring insights on protecting our environment, preserving biodiversity, and and understanding the delicate balance of ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.
📅 Date: 5 June 2026
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM
📺 Watch Live on:
* Tele Education Classroom
* Smart Classroom
* YouTube
* Facebook
▶️ Join Live:
https://t.co/CtFC2AXpID

Together, let us learn, reflect, and act for a greener and more sustainable future.

@EduMinOfIndia
@CMOfficeAssam
@diprassam

[Purnima Devi Barman @StorkSister]

We are overwhelmed by your love and prompt responses for our Cloth Bank : Old Clothes to New life Initiative.👕♻️

At our Hargila Army Pathsala, old clothes are finding a new life through the skilled hands of our women. Every cloth that is donated helps create handwoven mats, support livelihoods and reduce wastes, helping us move towards a sustainable Assam.

🕐 Donation time - 10 AM to 4PM

📍You may please donate your clothes by visiting:

Stork Sister, Deepor Beel Store
📞 7638038399

Dadara, Hargila Army Pathsala
📞 7896579970

📧 [email protected]

[Purnima Devi Barman @StorkSister]

OLD CLOTHES → NEW LIFE ♻️

At our Hargila Army Skill Center/Hargila Army Pathsala, Assam, we are transforming old, unused clothes into beautiful handmade mats on traditional looms.
If you have old clothes lying unused at home, donate them to us instead of throwing them away. Your donation supports livelihoods, reduces waste, and helps build a greener Assam.
Collection starts: 5th June
[email protected]
#sustainability #mygreenpledge #missionlife

[Purnima Devi Barman @StorkSister]

Look she is flying proudly in my Assamese Mekhela Sadors! Sharing our our new Desgine , new arrival by our hargila army!

[Purnima Devi Barman @StorkSister]

My beautiful Bhawani Baido, one of our new hargila army .
She inspires me so much.

This is the first attire she made with a Hargila motif to support her family. Today her journey gives me so much strength and hope.

Sometimes a simple loom, hard work, and courage can create hope in the most beautiful way.