Renowned wildlife biologist and conservationist Purnima Devi Barman has been recognised in TIME's 2025 Women of the Year list for her efforts to save the Greater Adjutant Stork locally known as Hargila, one of the world's most endangered species.

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Her groundbreaking conservation efforts have led to the recovery of the Hargila population from only 450 in 2007 to over 1,800 today.

Digital Desk: Renowned wildlife biologist and conservationist Purnima Devi Barman has been recognised in TIME's 2025 Women of the Year list for her efforts to save the Greater Adjutant Stork locally known as Hargila, one of the world's most endangered species.

45-year-old Purnima Devi Barman, who hails from Assam's Kamrup becomes the only Indian woman to be featured on the prestigious list along with 12 others.

Her groundbreaking conservation efforts have led to the recovery of the Hargila population from only 450 in 2007 to over 1,800 today.

Purnima Barman also founded the 'Hargila Army', a dedicated group of 10,000 women to safeguard nesting sites and promote biodiversity awareness.

Her exceptional works earned her many accolades including the Whitley Award also known as the Green Oscar from Anne, Princess Royal of the United Kingdom, the Champions of the Earth Award from the UN Environment Programme, the highest civilian award for Indian women 'Nari Shakti Puraskar' from former President of India Ram Nath Kovind in 2017.

Purnima Devi Barman was honoured with the 'Prag Prerana Award 2018' by Prag News along with 11 inspiring women from different fields on 3rd March 2018. The award was conferred by former Chief Minister of Assam and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.