Dr Purnima Devi Barman

Advisory Board

Purnima Devi Barman is an accomplished conservationist, global trailblazer, and a powerful force for community-led environmental restoration. She is the pioneering founder of the Hargila Army—a grassroots sisterhood that began in Assam, India, and is now rapidly evolving into a global movement of women united by conservation, compassion, and collective action.

At the heart of Purnima’s work is a profound belief: that when women come together across cultures, geographies, and lived experiences, they become an unstoppable force for positive change. The Hargila Army—often described as an “army of stork sisters”—has inspired women of all backgrounds to unite in a shared mission of hope, dignity, and environmental stewardship. Its impact is especially transformative in some of the world’s most isolated and underserved communities across the Global South, where Purnima has helped break cycles of isolation and foster a culture of kindness, mutual support, and lifelong friendships—out of which prosperity flows in many forms.

For decades, Purnima has been at the forefront of conservation, leading community-driven efforts to protect the endangered Greater Adjutant stork (locally known as the Hargila). Through her work, she has transformed local perceptions of the stork from a neglected, despised species into a cherished symbol of cultural pride. Her efforts have not only helped revive dwindling Hargila populations but have also uplifted communities by integrating conservation with women’s empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, education, and traditional knowledge.

Purnima’s approach to conservation is deeply human. She is a bridge—between nature and people, between tradition and innovation, and between communities that might otherwise never meet. Her work demonstrates what is possible when conservation is rooted in local wisdom, led by women, and carried forward through shared responsibility and joy.

In recognition of her extraordinary impact, Purnima Devi Barman was justifiably named one of TIME Magazine’s Women of the Year 2025, joining an exceptional group of changemakers recognised for their groundbreaking contributions across environmental advocacy, social justice, science, and human rights. This honour is not only a personal achievement, but a powerful affirmation of community-led ecosystem restoration and the rewilding of both landscapes and human relationships.

A true force of nature, Purnima brings wisdom, courage, and the collective strength of a vast and growing sisterhood wherever she goes. We at the Call of the Wild Network are immensely proud to have Purnima Devi Barman on our Advisory Board, where she contributes her insight, lived experience, and the inspiration of a global army of like-minded women committed to restoring the planet and one another