In News:

Indian wildlife biologist Dr. Purnima Devi Barman has been named among TIME Magazine’s Women of the Year 2025, recognizing her as one of 13 global leaders working toward a more equitable and sustainable world. She is the only Indian woman on the list.

Key Contributions:

• Known for her pioneering conservation work with the greater adjutant stork (locally called Hargila), once critically endangered and culturally stigmatized in Assam.
• Founded the Hargila Army, a women-led grassroots movement focused on protecting the stork’s habitat and changing negative local perceptions.
• Her model uniquely blends wildlife conservation with women’s empowerment, engaging thousands of rural women in ecological and livelihood activities.

Impact:

• Due to her efforts, the greater adjutant stork’s population in Assam has significantly recovered, leading to its status being upgraded from “endangered” to “near threatened” by IUCN.
• The Hargila Army, with over 10,000 members, participates in bird rescue, awareness campaigns, tree planting, and embroidery-based income generation.
• Her approach has become a global model for community-based conservation.

Background:

• Hails from the Kamrup region of Assam.
• Holds a Master’s degree in Zoology from Gauhati University.
• Inspired by her early life near the Brahmaputra and her grandmother’s teachings on biodiversity.

Awards & Recognition:

• Nari Shakti Puraskar (2017) – India’s highest civilian award for women.
• UN Champions of the Earth Award (2022) – For entrepreneurial vision in conservation.
• Whitley Gold Award (2017, 2024) – Often called the "Green Oscar".

Other Roles:

• Director of Women in Nature Network (YNN) – India chapter.
• Member of IUCN’s Stork, Ibis, and Spoonbill Specialist Group.

About TIME Magazine:

• Founded in 1923, USA.
• Known for its global recognitions like Person of the Year and Women of the Year.
• Now operates as a multimedia platform covering politics, science, and culture.