Meet Purnima Devi Barman: The woman behind Assam’s 20,000-member Hargila army

A remarkable transformation is underway in Assam, where Purnima Devi Barman’s Hargila Army, a 20,000-strong women’s collective, is championing the conservation of the greater adjutant stork. Once reviled as a bad omen, this bird is now a symbol of pride, thanks to the army’s grassroots efforts. Their work has not only saved the storks but also empowered women through income-generating initiatives, proving that dedicated individuals can indeed change the world.