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Assam’s Bird Guardian: Purnima Devi Barman Receives National Geographic’s 2026 Wayfinder Award

For years, the greater adjutant stork, locally known as the hargila, was considered an unwelcome bird in Assam. Its unusual appearance and scavenging habits led many to view it as a nuisance rather than a species worth protecting.Today, thanks to the tireless efforts of wildlife biologist and conservationist Purnima Devi Barman, that perception has dramatically changed. The woman who turned a neglected bird into a symbol of community pride has now earned one of the world’s most prestigious recognitions. Barman has been named among the 15 recipients of the 2026 Wayfinder Award, presented by the National Geographic Society and Kia. The honour celebrates visionaries from around the world whose work is creating meaningful change in science, conservation, education, technology and storytelling.For Assam and India, the recognition shines a global spotlight on a conservation success story powered not by large institutions, but by local communities and thousands of determined women.The Woman Behind the Hargila RevolutionPurnima Devi Barman’s conservation journey began with a simple yet powerful mission—to save the endangered greater adjutant stork.Once found across large parts of South and Southeast Asia, the bird's population had declined sharply due to habitat loss, human conflict and lack of awareness. In Assam, nesting trees were often cut down, and the birds were largely misunderstood. Rather than relying solely on scientific interventions, Barman chose a different path. She turned conservation into a community movement.By engaging local women, celebrating the bird through cultural traditions and creating awareness at the grassroots level, she transformed attitudes toward the hargila. What was once seen as an unwanted bird became a source of pride for entire villages.At the heart of this transformation is the famous “Hargila Army,” a movement led by more than 20,000 women across Assam. These women have become ambassadors for conservation, helping protect nesting sites, rescue chicks, educate communities and promote sustainable livelihoods linked to conservation efforts.Today, the Hargila Army is widely regarded as one of the world's most successful examples of community-led conservation. The movement has not only helped improve the outlook for the greater adjutant stork but has also demonstrated how conservation can thrive when local people become active participants rather than passive observers.A Global Recognition with a Personal TouchThe National Geographic Society announced the 15 recipients of the 2026 Wayfinder Award on June 9, recognising changemakers from six continents. The award honours individuals who are developing innovative solutions, conducting impactful research and inspiring communities to address pressing environmental and social challenges.For Barman, the recognition carries deep personal significance. She dedicated the award to her late father, Subedar Major Bhabani Kanta Sarma, who passed away on June 5. She said that she dedicated the recognition to her father. Joining a Global League of ChangemakersThis year’s Wayfinder Award recipients include scientists, conservationists, educators, filmmakers and researchers from around the world working on issues ranging from climate adaptation and wildlife protection to astronomy and ocean conservation.According to Alex Moen, Chief Explorer Engagement Officer of the National Geographic Society, the awardees are united by their curiosity and commitment to inspiring people to care about the planet. Barman’s inclusion among this distinguished global cohort highlights how a local initiative from Assam has become a model for conservation worldwide.The 2026 Wayfinder Award is not just a recognition of an individual. It is a celebration of the thousands of women who joined hands to protect a species, preserve biodiversity and prove that conservation succeeds when communities lead the way.

11 Jun 2026
Star Citizens

India’s Wildlife Warrior Wins Global Honour: Krithi Karanth Named 2026 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year

For years, Krithi Karanth has walked the delicate line between forests and villages, where fear, survival, and wildlife often collide. Now, her relentless work to bridge the gap between humans and animals has earned her one of the world’s most prestigious recognitions in conservation.The National Geographic Society has named her the 2026 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year, making her the first Indian ever to receive the title. The announcement was made in Mumbai on May 6 this year.The honour celebrates explorers and changemakers whose work is reshaping the future of the planet. For Karanth, it is also recognition of years spent listening not only to wildlife experts but also to farmers, children, and families living on the frontlines of conservation.Working Where Humans And Wildlife CollideIndia holds nearly half of Asia’s elephants and almost 75 percent of the world’s wild tigers. But as forests shrink and human settlements expand, encounters between people and animals have become increasingly common.This is where Karanth’s work stands out.As the CEO of the Bengaluru-based Centre for Wildlife Studies, she has focused on creating practical solutions that protect both people and wildlife.Her approach is simple yet powerful: conservation cannot succeed if communities living near forests are ignored.To address the growing tensions, Karanth and her team launched Wild Seve, a support programme that helps families affected by wildlife damage. When crops are destroyed or livestock is attacked, families can contact a toll-free helpline. Trained field staff then visit the location, document the loss, and help residents file compensation claims.The initiative has already helped nearly 17,000 families receive financial compensation.For many villagers, this support is more than paperwork. It reduces frustration and helps prevent retaliatory attacks on animals.Speaking about the issue, Karanth explained, “How do you make sure people are not injured, they’re not killed, they don’t have economic losses? Because when any of that happens, anger builds, and they want to retaliate against the animal.”Teaching Children To Live With WildlifeWhile Wild Seve addresses immediate conflict, another of Karanth’s initiatives focuses on shaping future generations.Called Wild Shaale, meaning “Wild School” in Kannada, the programme introduces children living near forests to the world of wildlife through storytelling, games, theatre, and art.Instead of teaching fear, the programme teaches understanding.Children learn why elephants enter villages, how tigers behave, and what safety measures can reduce conflict. What began as a small pilot initiative in 2018 has now expanded to nearly 1,600 schools across India, reaching around 72,000 children.The programme is helping transform how young people view wildlife—not as enemies, but as living beings sharing the same landscape.Building A Movement Of CoexistenceUnder Karanth’s leadership, the Centre for Wildlife Studies has worked across more than 7,000 villages and over 100 wildlife reserves in eight Indian states.The organisation has trained over 50,000 people and collaborated with nearly 10,000 farmers to encourage wildlife-friendly farming practices.Beyond fieldwork, Karanth has also made significant contributions to science and mentorship. She has authored more than 100 scientific papers and guided over 300 young researchers from countries including Chile, China, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom.Praising her work, Jill Tiefenthaler said, “Krithi has sparked a movement of hope across India. By combining science, education, and community partnership, she is redefining how people coexist with nature.”Today, as India faces growing environmental challenges, Karanth’s journey is proving that conservation is not just about saving animals. It is about creating a future where people and wildlife can survive—together.

8 May 2026
Star Citizens

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