Hargila

A wildlife photographer travels to India intent on documenting the rarest stork on earth but soon discovers a conservation hero and her inspiring efforts to rally a community to save it.
Learn more about the work of the Hargila Army:
/ hargilaarmy
The Greater Adjutant is a large scavenging stork that was once widely distributed across India and Southeast Asia but is now confined to a last stronghold in Assam, India, with small populations persisting in Cambodia’s northern plains region. The species is classified as Endangered by the IUCN with a rapidly declining population of around 1,200 individuals. The key threats to the species are direct human persecution, particularly at nesting colonies, habitat destruction, including felling of nest-trees, and drainage, conversion, pollution and degradation of wetlands. Historically, adjutants bred during the dry season, taking advantage of abundant prey steadily trapped by receding water levels, and scavenging the remains of now extirpated megafauna. Today, the last adjutants survive alongside humans, congregating at garbage dumps and nesting colonially in rural villages. The majority world’s remain population lives around the city of Guwahati and relies on a single garbage dump for food and nearby villages for nesting. As the adjutant’s nesting colonies occur outside of state protected areas in Assam, community conservation initiatives are the only hope for saving the bird from extinction. Through the efforts of a remarkable conservation leader, Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, and the movement she has inspired, the birds are now protected, celebrated, and increasing their numbers locally. Despite this success and the momentum to conserve the species, the Greater Adjutant’s existence remains precarious.
In collaboration with Dr. Barman and the NGO Aaranyak, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology collected the first comprehensive natural history video coverage of the Greater Adjutant in 2016 and 2019 to inspire local and international support for Greater Adjutant conservation and the communities involved. The film”Hargila” is a result of that work.
Learn more about the work of the Hargila Army:
/ hargilaarmy
Produced by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Conservation Media Program ©2021

[@mayateola4732]

It brought tears to my eyes. What a mission Purnima has accomplished. It indeed takes one person to change the world to be a better place. I will show this story to my science class students. Thank you very much Cornell lab!

[@bintanggaming4072]

ALLOHUMMA SHOLI WASALLIM WABAARIK 'ALAA SAYYIDINAA MUCHAMMAD WA'ALA AALIHI WASHOCHBIHI AJMA'IN! ! ! ! ! !

[@feralcatbox]

The scenes in the dump are so heartbreaking - animal and human alike - but they deserve to be seen. Thank you for this film, we are so lucky to have people with such profound compassion like Purnima to build community and culture around conservation. (And the weavings with the Hargila pattern are so beautiful!)

[@dianestiner8602]

"I think this story should go to everyone" Purnima says. This is an amazing exceptional protection action of a unique bird I just did not know of. Long live this Hargila stork. Thank you for this awesome documentary.

[@NATURECAMHD]

Purnima is now my hero. It goes to show you that old school, boots on the ground work secure hearts and minds. What a beautifully shot documentary.

[@cinnamongirl2916]

I am literally in tears! Thank you very much for coming to my state Assam and showing the world this story! ❤️ Grateful! And Dr.Purnima Ma'am you are my motivation from today! ❤️

[@bintanggaming4072]

ALLOHUMMA SHOLI WASALLIM WABAARIK 'ALAA SAYYIDINAA MUCHAMMAD WA'ALA AALIHI WASHOCHBIHI AJMA'IN! ! ! ! ! !

[@quote_nature]

A very wonderful and emotional film to watch. To save the Hargila as Purnima did shows how it is possible to make others understand a problem through education and compassion, one step at a time. I admire her drive, she is remarkable. You have made a fantastic film about the storks and the woman who chose to involve the community in the protection of Hargila. Without their efforts the storks would not have thrived. Thank you.

[@mriganka7331]

A big round of applause, great initiative for filming this. Long live Hargila. গৌৰৱান্বিত পূৰ্ণিমা মেম'ক লৈ ।

[@svetlanasannikova6073]

Came for the birds, stayed for the tanpura. Thank you for the film

[@vardhmanmishra7382]

Hargila or garud endangered stork, great effort to warriors for hargila. Only in assam and bhagalpur Bihar, it can be seen in whole world. Precious treasure to be secured

[@carsongarnett1700]

Beautiful film!! It’s amazing Purnima is there to educate the community to protect such an amazing species of bird

[@chrisulastone9151]

This is one of the most moving documentaries I've seen in a long time and I don't think I'll soon forget it. Thank you for sharing this story with the world.

[@jimmosley3382]

What a wonderful story you have brought to light. Thanks so much for everyone’s hard work.

[@Joshilayzips]

One of the best conservation story out there on the internet.

[@doseoflifenature3791]

Kudos to Purnima for her successful conservation work for this special stork. Excellent film. The scene of birds and people scavenging through the garbage side by side is saddening and hard to watch. 1.38 billion people and increasing. The place will get more crowded in a shorter time.

[@giribpai]

The Hargila movie is one of the best wild life documentaries I have seen. The video highlights the lives of the Adjutant storks in their nests and feeding sites and does a great job of weaving in the role of Dr. Purnima Devi Burman in conserving the storks.

[@rcbfan3897]

Congratulations poornima ji for winning Chaps of earth award for ur excellent wort on this birds.

[@OlyChickenGuy]

Thank you, Dr. Barman, for helping these wonderful, gorgeous birds. I've been crying since I watched the trailer.

[@darrendavy4248]

Amazing film, brilliant work to save this wonderful bird, a great achievement. So glad I watched this and learned so much, very inspirational, thank you.

[@terrymingle8355]

I hope that the protection of these birds will continue.

[@skybluskyblueify]

I started the video and nearly gave up because of how sad I felt. It is worth it to finish the video.

[@SeantheBioBro]

Those storks have a lot of personality to put it lightly!

[@roses-and_raindrops]

What a beautiful story!! Purnima is an amazing woman and inspiration to me! I will share this story with others to show them that one person can make a huge difference.

[@dibyasaikia7945]

Thrilled to watch, privileged to be able to see your journey closely, proud of you as University Junior.

[@UnaRose]

What an inspirational example of women led conservation and human/animal coexistence. Beautifully shot and photographed as well.

[@sivaramakrishnansivasubram3827]

Great work by Purnima and an amazing response by the community!!

[@vinays1332]

No words can explain the works poornima had done in those places, hatsoff to her , we are proud that we have people like you 🙌🏼🤩

[@betipapa]

One of the most moving stories! Kudos to Purnima and all those women who turned around everything. This is story is moving not just because its about conservation of a species but also because it portrays something rather disturbing - children, women, men, cattle, birds, all struggling to get their share from a large garbage dump.

[@souravdey8951]

Great work team. Hope this video will bring more attention to the Hargilas.

[@_Creaux]

lovely film. thanks to every single person involved

[@ramya2912]

Can something be done with this garbage issue. A processing plant so that the area is free from garbage dump and completes the conservation efforts. Appreciate the hard work by Dr Purnima and her way of getting through the work done when it just seems to be impossible. Also Gerritvyn for giving his one hundred percent to show to the rest of the world how we humans are modifying the habitats in the world and putting everyiinto danger including ourselves.

[@mostafabaydoun5830]

Such an inspiring story, Purnima, the women and the children, they all contributed to this wonderful story. Great work by filmmakers also, you've captured the story beautifully, thank you for the wonderful work!

[@deborahbygrave937]

A beautiful and inspiring film

[@SSCheema]

The empowered women - whether you talk about the Adjudant Stork or Amur Falcon's conservation - have an important place and role to play. God bless them. I am a bird lover and do not have the courage perhaps to do what they have done - all the same - I do write small stories to attract people to know the birds and environment we live and share.

[@secondhandcaravanus8605]

Such an inspiring and heart wrenching story to tell. Thank you for sharing it. I hope they find a different way to feed the birds and their people.

[@RT-rt9rt]

Purnima (the Earth citizen/daughter), thank you and keep up the good work. Also, great thanks to the Cornell Lab and the Photographer...

[@bubbajohn8131]

Incredible. These beautiful storks take me back to my years in Kenya and the equally gorgeous Marabou 👏

[@sueannbarnes2800]

Fascinating, heart warming and heart breaking. Thank you for this film.

[@eatloveprayrock7456]

'It takes a village...' such an inspiring example of initiative, involvement and cooperation on so many levels to achieve a goal! Thank you all.

[@harekrishnakuiry8710]

Really, One person can make a profound difference. It is a great work of Purnima...Indeed, Hargila is a beautiful and inspirational documentary....🎊🎊🎊

[@reneanicodemus6230]

Absolutely precious, I was in tears by the end. Thank you for this beautiful video.

[@sarahgladu3516]

Thank you. Amazing story. Excellent videography. I will share!

[@EllenNaylor]

Very moving on so many fronts: Purnima, the ladies, the children, the way of life at dump sites, and of course the survival of the Hargila stork. Thank you for sharing, Cornell Lab.

[@chayadas9356]

every human should learn from dr punima devi... world is not just for humans, but also for many other species. We should respect the lives of all living and do no harm.. wonderful documentary.

[@margitboehm1341]

Gratuliere zu diesem hervorragenden Film! Wunderbare Bilder von den Vögeln und den Menschen, die sich für sie einsetzen! Der Film hat mich sehr berührt und bestärkt im Artenschutz weiterzuarbeiten, auch wenn das oft nicht einfach ist. Danke dafür und weiter so.

[@loricolt9123]

This was great. Thank you for sharing this inspiring and amazing story.

[@maiacalloway6549]

Beautiful documentary...one person can truly make a difference.

[@kbhutia8466]

Amazing story n What a Great Contribution by Purnima.Hats off to you. CONGRATS n thnx to the Photographer n his team for bringing out such a awesome vedeo.

[@rewildingacademy]

Fabulous work, Purnima! Looking forward to working together :)

[@shyamadasbanerji2682]

Wonderful story. I remember seeing these birds infrequently as a child in Bengal in winter. Very rare and transitory, taller than the Open billed storks . Hargila translated literally in Bengali and probably the same in Assamese means "bone swallower ". People though they swallowed bones because they resembled a bit like vultures to the common viewer.

[@bevbass7083]

Made my day!

[@sandrabeltrao9532]

Wow! Outstanding documentary. Congrats to everyone involved, especially to Gerrit Vyn who beautifully captured the world of the Hargilas and Purnima’s story to save these prehistoric birds from extinction. Hope a thriving ecotourism industry builds on this important work to sustain community, wildlife & planet.

[@bhargavdas3619]

Speechless !!!

[@ellenneff7525]

Powerful!

[@sunchildgaia]

Its people like Purnima that make the world a lovelier place! Brave girl! This is the first time I have seen a hargila, even though I have heard this word since I can remember, not because of the bird though, it is an adjective used for extremely skinny people. :) She, people of dadara and her hargila army deserves awards!

[@PlanetLenseye]

Lot of thanks Purnima

[@soumyaghosh8715]

Great work _ purnima didi

[@mrinker]

Thanks to everyone involved in the making of this film and especially to Purnima and her tireless effort and dedication- so very inspiring!

[@rohidasdagale]

Great For Nature Conservation 💚🌍🙏🏾

[@SamtheMan0508]

Very inspiring!

[@chetchurchill9524]

What an awesome chronicling of a crucial project. God bless you all in your dedication to do what’s right in our world. 🙂

[@mindPalace13]

Extraordinary work very well documented.

[@ptakiwukrytejkamerze3803]

Purnima, I love what you have done and what still you are doing for those amazing birds. You're just wonderful! I love you! Thank YOU! (greetings from Poland)

[@williamdurowse2327]

what a truly inspiring documentary!

[@DavidKrynauw]

What an amazing lady!

[@travisbicklejr]

Thank you for doing this great work!

[@shirleymontgomery9853]

Wonderful

[@hrishikeshsarma965]

Kudos to purnima Barman . The most touching line was ' what would I do with my PhD if I can't motivate even One person '

[@SayantaBasak]

Outstanding work

[@as62083]

Hats off, what a worthwhile life 🙏

[@ingridbobekova3090]

Simply inspiring. Conservation is about people...changing the way people see their world.

[@rwrigdon]

It's amazing to see the human aspect of this in addition to the birds. These are amazing people.

[@prajaktajoshi6280]

good work 👏

[@hadirizvi2670]

Amazing

[@pratimayadav5139]

Purnima is a great person .She should be awarded for this. This is really emotional. God bless her. I also dream to become an ornithologist.

[@WDC_OSA]

I’m setting aside time to watch this tomorrow. The trailer got me very interested. Thank you for uploading it here.

[@DailyMyChildhood]

Appreciate your video😊 Well captured!!!!

[@bethechange52]

Thank you! for sharing such an inspiring story and woman (en)!

[@vincenzot4]

A stunning story of how we bridge culture and nature to create a more resilient relationship with all other life! Purnima is an amazing shero for our times!

[@sudiptabhattacharya1592]

Excellent documentary

[@jordansitorus]

Inspiring & powerful story...

[@rammanohar4804]

Really it is interesting, Congratulations By DR. B. RAM MANOHAR, THANJAVUR, TAMILNADU, INDIA

[@geekdivaherself]

Dr. Purnima❣ We love you and the storks❣🙏❣🙏❣ The photographer Gerrit Vyn as well❣ Who, for all I know, might also have a doctorate❣🐇❣🐇❣

[@akshitashukla4135]

🧡 Thank you!!..

[@Raydensheraj]

They are like miniature Pterodactyls... incredible.

[@samirpattanayak6772]

A big salute to you mam...

[@s.b.1152]

Wonderful.

[@marutialtolxi]

Kudos to Purnima for her relentless efforts but really sad to see the birds on those heaps of wastes

[@PrinceRaj-yi5xo]

It looks they are out of this world

[@IlarioSchanzer]

⭐ ⭐ Yeeeeee … I L♥ VE this Video !!!!

[@sekhar_cp7510]

Hat's off to you miss

[@cecilelindell6724]

Hi. I would be interested in purchasing some of this fabric with the Hargila woven in. Is there a way to reach out? I am the owner of a quilting business. Thanks.

[@TheWinstonian]

Wonderful story. Since nests have grown over a decade to more than 200 where do the Hargila get their food? Was that problem solved also? Or are they still scavenging dumps? If they are still scavenging dumps then utimately the problem still is not resolved for the Hargila.

[@sunchildgaia]

climbing that machan took a lot of guts! Not my pot of soup!

[@BhaskarGoswami13]

Great film! Hargilla means "bone swallower" in assamese.

[@rupayahin2778]

Nice video sis.....

[@prakharpandey5390]

👍👍👍

[@louiss1625]

Dr. Barman is a goddamn hero.

[@cs5414]

The power of one woman can change the world!

[@deannabaumgardner4541]

We need to save the beautiful birds; please tell us what we can do.

[@natureisreality]

Yet another example of how relocation of animals is one response against their extinction. Some pairs can be relocated somewhere else in the world. Read: Inheritors of the Earth: How Nature Is Thriving in an Age of Extinction by Chris D. Thomas.