‘Stork Sister’ Purnima Devi Burman and her ‘Hargila Sena’ in Assam

Purnima Devi Burman, a wildlife biologist of Assam, is a large and powerful army commander. Globally, she is now known as Stork Sister.

Painted in the only Indian woman TimeThe women of the year 2025 list for their contribution to conservation are famous for their leading efforts to save the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork, locally known Hargilla (‘Bone Swayamlaler’ means in Assamese).

In his mission to protect the bird and its habitat, Burman has gathered a powerful community of more than 20,000 women, which is the Hargila army, an all-women conservation group. Birds – There are about 1,800 in Assam – mostly found in three districts of Guwahati, Morigon and Nagaon.

There is a steady growth in one will storked numbers and Hargila Baby Shower for their success, now it is a nesting season – this community program welcomes new hatching. Burman says, “From being seen as a bad omen to being celebrated with baby shower, we have taken a long way.”

Greater Adjutant Stork on a tree. Photo Credit: Madhuwanti S. Krishnan

Growing with trees and birds

Recalling her for the first time in the field in 2007, urged the villagers not to cut the trees, urging the villagers in Dardara (near Hazo), where more and more supportive Storks nested, she says, “I was not sure what I was doing or how I was going to fight for the birds. I was in that day because I had heard that I was falling in the hunt of the nests, until I was falling in the nomination side. For, Codom Gose ,Neolmarkia cadambaBurfover-tree, laran, or also known as lacard pine) was already cut off, which was destroying several nests with chicks. As I argued for trees and birds and argued, the villagers thought that I had lost my mind. For them, the bird was a precursor to bad luck. ,

Greater Adjutant Stork near Deepor Bel Wildlife Sanctuary in Guwahati. , Photo Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar

At that time, Burman was a new mother for twins. As he pleaded with the villagers to save the birds and their nests, he spontaneously picked up the fallen chickens and reached Guwahati in an autorickshaw. “For me, they were no different from my children. I was helpless, scared, but also firm to save them. ,

Purnima with some members of his ‘Hargila Sena’. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Turning back, Barman recalls what he was attracted to these birds. She grew up in Palasbari, about 30 km from Guwahati, with her grandmother, which weaved magical stories about nature. In these stories, trees were states, while birds and insects were their loyal residents and warriors. ,AITA (Grandma) always created these stories, including Adjutant Stork, Aggrates, Vulture and Asian Openbills. But, inadvertently, she was teaching me about nature. I could identify birds from a young age and soon learn their nest hunting season and favorite trees, ”she says.

Greater Adjutant Stork | Photo Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar

His grandmother’s love for nature shared the path of Burman in life and inspired him to achieve specialization in ecology and wildlife biology at the University of Gauhati. “My professors inspired me a lot. They sent us to various bird-looking camps, and during the discussion on endangered species, Hargilla And Bortukula (Low Adjutant Stork) came. It was a quick relationship for my childhood, and I decided to do my PhD on Greater Adjutant Stork, “she says.

From research to protection

Burman’s work has earned his global recognition. He is a recipient of honor such as the Champions of the Earth Award in 2022 – the highest environmental honor of the United Nations – and the Whitley Gold Award, which he received in 2024, often called The Green Oscar, for his work under biodiversity conservation.

A big supporting stork on a tree. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Now a member of the IUCN Stork, IBIS and Spoonbill specialist group, Burman recalls how the 2007 incident shifted its perspective. She realized that she was busy collecting materials for her PhD on a bird that was at risk of disappearing. “If the bird cannot be saved itself, is there a thesis?” He thought. That moment changed everything – his focus shifted from research to direct protection.

Determined to create a difference, she returned to the village, this time as a lawyer for birds. “The villagers complained that the birds made the area dirty and smelly. Therefore, I offered to clean the foot of nest trees, ”Burman says. These birds that are mostly fed in marshy regions and shallow pits are now scavenging due to loss of habitat and urbanization.

Burman says that first of all, his efforts were fulfilled with ridicule. “People laughed, made fun of me with songs, and called me crazy. But I was constantly. I showed every day until they finally decided to listen.” This was his first small step, but she knew that it was not enough. She started rally to equal ideologies, including families whose qualities were included. Push Competitions (local food competition), Take the name of Competitions (bhajan singing ceremonies), cleaning drive – Hargilla At the center of all this, “She shares. These gatherings always concluded with the importance of conserving trees for awareness talks about birds and trees for biodiversity.

The ‘Hargila Sena’ inspects a baby shower ceremony for Greater Adjutant Stork at Hathietol Temple in Pacharia village near Guwahati. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The ‘Hargila Sena’ celebrates the nest of Greater Adjutant Stork in Hazo near Guwahati. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Recognizing the power of collective action, he has focused on involving women in his efforts. “Women can make real changes. So we call ourselves a Hargila army, and we proudly call it, “she says. Thanks to their work, once the neglected bird is now preserved, observed, and even increasing in numbers local.

The movement has expanded to include environmental education. Burman and his team have established the Hargila Learning Center, where they present children for protection and create a love for nature from an early age.

prabalika.m@thehindu.co.in