Assam-based wildlife biologist and conservationist and founder of the Hargila Army, Dr. Purnima Devi Barman has been named one of 15 global recipients of the 2026 Wayfinder Award conferred by the National Geographic Society and Kia America .
The award recognises visionaries from six continents whose work in science, conservation, education, and storytelling is deepening the world’s commitment to protecting the planet.
Dr. Barman is renowned for leading the Hargila conservation movement consistently for last 25 years and pioneering, Hargila army grassroots movement of more than 20,000 women dedicated to the protection of the greater adjutant stork (Leptoptilos dubius), locally known as the hargila.
Under her leadership, the initiative has transformed the bird’s conservation status through habitat protection, environmental education, sustainable livelihood programs, and community-led nesting site preservation, making it one of the world’s most celebrated community conservation success stories.
Dr Barman’s journey with the greater adjutant stork began two decades ago when she recognised that the endangered bird is often misunderstood as a bad omen and can only be saved by winning the hearts of the people and integrating the bird with tradition, culture and pride.
She mobilised village women, trained them as conservation champions, and built a movement that transformed 27 nests into over 300 nests, making Assam home to the largest breeding colony of greater adjutant storks in the world.
Under her stewardship, the stork population in Assam has quadrupled to over 1,800 birds, while thousands of women have gained financial independence through weaving cooperatives that produce textiles featuring hargila motifs.
Dr. Barman’s previous accolades include the UN Champions of the Earth Award (2022), the Whitley Gold Award (2024), and being named one of Time Magazine’s Women of the Year (2025).
The recognition however comes at a difficult time for Dr. Barman. On June 5, 2026, she lost her father, Subedar Major Bhabani Kanta Sarma, a patriot and a veteran of the Indian Army and 1971 Bangladesh liberation war, he served the nation with courage and dedication.
Dedicating the award to his memory, Dr. Barman said: “Just days before receiving this recognition, I lost my beloved father, Subedar Major Bhabani Kanta Sarma. He was my greatest source of strength, discipline, and inspiration. This honour carries a special message to my father and I made him proud at this moment.”
Assam-Based Wildlife Conservationist Purnima Devi Barman Named One Of 15 Global Recipients Of 2026 Wayfinder Award
