Recognized globally with awards such as the UN’s Champions of the Earth and the Whitley Gold Award, Barman's grassroots movement has changed perceptions about wildlife conservation (Source: Purnima Devi Barman/Instagram)Dr Purnima Devi Barman has been named in TIME’s Women of the Year 2025 list, recognising her extraordinary contributions to conservation. The distinguished wildlife biologist from Assam is the only Indian woman on the list.She is best known for her pioneering efforts to save the endangered greater adjutant stork (Hargila) and for creating the Hargila Army, an all-female conservation group dedicated to protecting the species and its habitat.Dr Barman’s unique approach to conservation—blending wildlife protection with women’s empowerment—has created a sustainable, community-driven movement. Her work has not only saved an endangered species and officially moved its status to “near threatened” under the International Union for Conservation of Nature, but also transformed lives, proving that conservation and social progress can go hand in hand. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Purnima Devi Barman (@storksister) Early life and passion for sonservationBorn and raised in Assam, Purnima Devi Barman developed a deep love for nature early in life. Growing up near the Brahmaputra River, she was inspired by her grandmother’s teachings about birds and biodiversity. This passion led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Zoology at Gauhati University.Her work in conservation began in earnest in 2007, when she noticed that locals in Assam considered the greater adjutant stork a bad omen, often destroying its nesting sites, according to her profile on TIME Magazine. Realising the urgent need to change perceptions, she initiated a grassroots movement to protect the bird and empower local womenThe Hargila ArmyBarman’s Hargila Army—a group of around 10,000 women—has been instrumental in protecting the greater adjutant stork’s breeding grounds. These women are engaged in rescuing injured birds, planting trees, and educating communities about conservation.The initiative has also helped local women gain financial independence by involving them in sustainable businesses such as making textiles with stork-themed embroidery. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Purnima Devi Barman (@storksister) Major achievements and global recognitionDr Barman has received numerous prestigious awards for her work:Nari Shakti Puraskar (2017) – India’s highest civilian award for women.Champions of the Earth Award (2022) – The UN’s highest environmental honor, awarded for her entrepreneurial vision in conservation.Whitley Gold Award (2024) – Also known as the ‘Green Oscar’, recognizing her impact on biodiversity conservation.Her inclusion in TIME’s Women of the Year 2025 places her alongside global changemakers such as Nicole Kidman, Jordan Chiles, and Claire Babineaux-Fontenot. TIME will honour these women at the Women of the Year Leadership Forum and Gala in Los Angeles on February 25, 2025Story continues below this adHer story is an inspiration, showing how grassroots activism, scientific knowledge, and cultural transformation can make a global impact.📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:Time magazinewildlife conservation