9. Purnima Devi Barman
Purnima Devi Barman, a wildlife biologist from Assam, is known for having saved the greater adjutant stork, called hargila in her state. The very rare adjutant storks were once considered harbingers of evil, but now they are being celebrated for the hard work of Purnima Devi Barman. She created the Hargila Army, a group of more than 20,000 local women who protect the birds and their nesting trees. Known internationally as the Stork Sister, Purnima raises awareness using photographs and community events such as stork chick "baby showers." Her inspiring journey has earned her many prestigious awards, showing that a woman can surely change minds and save the environment with dedication.
