H India
Hargila Army leader’s global recognition reflects Assam’s rising contribution to India’s soft power on the world stage
In a proud moment for Assam and Bharat, renowned conservationist and Hargila Army founder Dr. Purnima Devi Barman has been invited by Cornell University, one of the world’s leading institutions, to conduct a series of lectures, sessions and interactions across multiple departments.
The invitation underscores how grassroots conservation efforts from Assam are now earning recognition on the global academic stage, aligning with India’s growing presence in environment, sustainability and community-led development worldwide.
During her visit, Dr. Barman addressed nearly *60 MBA students, sharing the inspiring journey of the Hargila Army — the women-led movement that transformed the fate of the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork (Hargila) in Assam. She spoke about community participation, women’s leadership, and the practical lessons learned from years of fieldwork in the state.
She also held enriching interactions with students, faculty and research scholars from various departments, including the prestigious Cornell Lab of Ornithology. In a special gesture, videos and photographs of Assam’s Hargila birds are being continuously displayed at the Lab’s museum for visitors — a quiet but powerful acknowledgement of Assam’s conservation achievement.
Dr. Barman further delivered a lecture at the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, where participants showed keen interest in the Hargila Army model. She is also scheduled to deliver a guest lecture at the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine.
Expressing her gratitude, Dr. Barman said she felt deeply honoured by Cornell University’s warm welcome and hospitality. “I feel really blessed. Everyone was interested to learn the lessons from our Hargila Army,” she shared.
This recognition comes at a time when Assam is steadily expanding its footprint - from biodiversity conservation and women’s empowerment to education, culture and sustainable development. Initiatives like the Hargila Army demonstrate how local solutions from the Northeast are contributing to Bharat’s larger narrative of inclusive growth and environmental leadership on the world stage.
As India strengthens its global partnerships in science, sustainability and community development, stories emerging from Assam continue to inspire and earn respect far beyond its borders.
