Meet the Army of Women Saving India’s Rarest Stork | WILD HOPE

[@megharjunkalita9197]

She is an Assamese lady and we the people of Assam are very proud of her

[@lioncub5198]

I think she is kalita

[@TheGrimStoic]

Joi Aai Axom

[@SatyajitMoharana-e9t]

Whole humanity and India proud of her 😊

[@Śiśna3633]

I am not Assamese, but I am very proud of her as well.

[@Śiśna3633]

I am not Assamese but I am very proud of her.

[@antosebastian9086]

Govt of india should honor such noble efforts and support them

[@DoomsdayKiller1]

nah they are busy f-ing the middle class

[@gohainjyoti1116]

Mr search her name in Google , you will know how much award she is getting

[@harshnaik6989]

modi is busy in handing over forest land to his friends Adani and Ambani, don't expect corporate supporter party to take action, BJ Party is behind hasadev, Campa act, and now Andaman island forest destruction

[@starsfalldown1234567]

They should focus on building toilets and reducing their population. 😂😂

[@CH4NN3L_o_o]

There is an exhibit honoring her in the Museum of Natural History in London, which is how I learned about her. It has one of her beautiful saris and headdress. She's getting international attention!

[@dummyelement5179]

People like this lady and her team is the sole reason the world is still livable. Thank you baideu 🥺🥺

[@vandanaabhade8885]

Agree

[@kellykat8057]

It's compassionate women who care about the people & other creatures on this planet that will save the world.

[@liquidsunshineiam]

These women are amazing beautiful souls. Thank you for saving these amazing creatures of winged nation. Lotus For POTUS / Women will also save democracy in America. Vote blue for Kamala Harris. Kamala means lotus in Sanskrit. 🪷💙🗳️🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

[@eschwarz1003]

Absolutely. Her brilliant strategies and approaches are an amazing model for other environmental campaigns

[@wilderwentzel2662]

You are right, and yet what are men doing to women, especially in India? It's so telling, Im sorry, even with now how the "male" chromosome is changing. Women are the world.

[@deejay-su7uf]

Women are the biggest consumers on the planet.

[@eeee8489]

​@@RojaJaneman paganism and Hinduism are very similar

[@DINOSAURIA]

I've met Purnima Devi Burman in person and she's truly inspiring and she has done incredible work towards conservation of the "Hargila"

[@bharatbshetty]

😯

[@perseypoppins]

omg. lucky. i would love to meet her and work with her on her conservation. i just learned about her today and i already think she must be one of the coolest women alive

[@digantasonowal3116]

Thank you Pbs for covering this topic. As a resident of assam, the great adjustant stock(aka _bortukula_ or _hargila_ in local Assamese) has always fascinated me since my childhood. It was once abundant in upper assam too.But, due to human overpopulation, habitat loss and rapid deforestation has made the bird locally extinct the region. But thanks to the efforts of this women group the population of the bird has increased in some regions of assam. Also thanks to their efforts that the bird is no longer seen as a pest but rather a gift of nature. With regards, Diganta Sonowal, Assam

[@lioncub5198]

Lower Assam ot dhodong buli kou ami

[@earlysda]

Humans "overpopulation" is never a problem. Please honor human life, and be more careful in your use of the English language in the future.

[@seokjin9509]

@@earlysda emphasis on the word over. it is a problem lmao

[@earlysda]

@@seokjin9509 seo, please try to respect human life.

[@BlackWomen_GamerSupport2471]

@@earlysdaStop being delusional, there is a human overpopulation, and it is a problem. It causes more pollution, deforestation, climate change, little resources. And what is there to honor about human life, I mean there is a lot of good in there, but in this day and age and even beforehand. There is nothing honoring of human life. Especially when humans ourselves don't honor ourselves.

[@Śiśna3633]

Women of India has a unique culture and traditions, it is about time the world need to recognize them. Thanks for the organizing lady for all the effort she has put in.

[@Twocat5side]

Agreed

[@alileevil]

The world recognizes them, its India that doesn't. The country is still deeply entrenched in traditional gender roles where women are expected to be the caregivers.

[@MonochromaticBlues]

Yes🎉

[@skengene]

​@@alileevilit is because if this traditional gender roles, these women are so caring. If not they would taking fentanyl, meth and sleeping around like hoes . Indian culture protects them n they inturn protect the culture. Lonely feminists like u dont understand this.

[@capricorn9186]

True feminism

[@triplea8801]

What an amazing conservation model. This woman is a genius.

[@capicuaaa]

Indeed. She recognised that we care when we can relate. These women mothers could relate to the stork mothers and the common struggle. Amazing story and idea.

[@capricorn9186]

True feminism

[@joseenoel8093]

I'm a chick forest technician from Montreal, I majored in Sylviculture, we be the change, love you all!

[@sjain8111]

what is a chick forest technician please?

[@thatindiandude4602]

​@@sjain8111what a troll. Obviously its a technician who is a new hatchling of course.

[@BondJFK]

You what "chicken forest technican'" 😅 What's that sounds like car techinican or laptop technician

[@SamS.7598]

Those who are confused, chick forest technician means a smoking hot forest techie lady which makes all the poachers, hunters and woodcutters sweat and piss their pants.

[@ducciwucci]

i can't imagine calling myself a chick. learn some self respect.

[@turnbacktime65]

Thank you all people who helped save these birds. ❤

[@riaanvanniekerk1567]

One simply can’t emphasize enough the importance of these animals to nature and to humans. They keep diseases from spreading. In an overpopulated world we need more of these protectors. Great work by these women. Love it ❤

[@louisegogel7973]

A paradigm shift for so many to know the important service these birds provide to all the beings in their ecosystem!

[@aleenaprasannan2146]

India actually have a very painful lesson on how important scavenger birds are not just for the forest but also for the people in the cities as well. India's vultures got almost wiped out because the antibiotics in dead cattle which they scavenged on wrecked their guts. Before that these vultures where the ones who checked the spread of rabies. Now there is an uptick in rabies cases spreading from wild canines to strays in the streets

[@earlysda]

What planet do you live on? Definitely not earth, because we are not overpopulated.

[@aleenaprasannan2146]

@@earlysda Just because you live in some remote region doesn't mean that humans as a species is overpopulating earth. One single species of humans alone make up 34% all biomass on earth. What the hell is that if not overpopulation?

[@earlysda]

@@aleenaprasannan2146 aleen, you are correct that "doesn't mean that humans as a species is overpopulating earth."

[@Tamo8]

I am from Assan's neighbouring state Meghalaya and I'm just so proud for our Northeastern sisters and this beautiful initiative.

[@Learningdvg]

What an incredible woman and what feat you’ve overcome with your women army. I’m so grateful for this documentary and the inspiration and agent of change it will spark in many. Bless you.

[@bertkreft9689]

these birds are creepy and awesome at the same time - they are a living heritage we have to pass onto future generations - it is not a duty - it is a joy - to be in the service of these unique creatures - it is a honour 🙏🏼

[@dhwanishah3079]

Very beautiful sentiment

[@gamingwithxan1430]

It's like the workers or scavenger(cleaner) worker of bovine, who helps in sanitation of earth, resulting control of diseases. Vultures, storks like hargila, hawk, crow/raven etc.

[@Potato-me4wu]

They actually not look creepy 😊 they look beautiful as bird

[@j.d.youtube6557]

This doctor is absolutely brilliant! Engaging and enlightening local women in local action. I love this. It makes my heart soar!

[@Pam501]

Amazing work ladies - your efforts deserve the praise of all nature lovers around the globe!

[@silverQ9]

Just give a raise to the person who shot these amazing shots. It's truly Cinematic especially the shots with sun in the background. Truly Spectacular.

[@lynetteminute]

Purnima isn't only managing an incredible mission by saving these birds but also tackling an economic one by providing avenues for the advocates to earn incomes and support their communities, while also involving the men. It's a threefold objective, and such a beautiful strategy. I hope it continues to grow and expand for generations to come, for other species and regions as well. The world is all the better because of people who care and take action like her. Very inspirational.

[@jeffj2495]

WOW. What an incredible story. She is amazing. THANK YOU to all the Hargila Army for making a great difference to our world.

[@DarkPrincessOfLight]

Purnima is absolutely incredible! She is sooo smart, compassionate and has created an amazing movement. Her starting this all with local cooking competitions (when she realized no one was coming to her stork meetings at)- she has incredible insight !

[@BG-fm5od]

This is an amazing woman. We think sometimes… I am just one person, what can I do? Well she showed us!

[@abl1699]

well said

[@AuthenticWe]

I live in southwest Iowa USA and had the blessing to have seen and been visited by this stork 2 years in a row now, so they migrate far and wide and thank you for helping this amazing rapture

[@oliviapellicer7376]

wow that's highly unusual. Storks have long migration paths but none really cross the ocean from Europe/Asia into the Americas. Might you have seen a wood stork? Those do occasionally show up in Iowa. If it's not a wood stork, then you've got a loose bird from a private collection in the area, most likely a marabou, as those are way more common. Still really cool though!

[@jhndr0nia]

This species (Leptoptilos javanicus) doesn't occur in the U. S. not even seasonally. It is more likely that you have encountered the wood stork (Mycteria americana)

[@AuthenticWe]

@@oliviapellicer7376 ooooo I’ll have to film a video , it threw me off guard because it was camping in a 60 foot tree top

[@SuperTvik]

Mad respect for this women this is just amazing how she has moved this thing connected social cause and helping these birds she is amazing

[@shoabali444]

Much Respect For You Dr. Purnima Devi Barman - Thankyou for your taking up this critical issue and making it your purpose of life not only yours but a complete army. You are a true Hero

[@dinkohrvat344]

REALLY IMPORTANT TO RE INTRODUCE THE BIRD TO OTHER PARTS OF INDIA . thank you for saving this bird . Assam has a great record of protecting its exotic and fascinating wild life !!!! thank you again

[@joyeetabandyopadhyay3259]

I am a bird lover and I am so fortunate to watch this documentary....I have no words to praise this compassionate woman and her team for saving and caring for a rare bird species 🙏🙏 Thank you so much for sharing 🙏

[@dinicti]

This made me tear-up; wonderful and inspiring story! Thank you for sharing and wish only the best for the team in Assam!!

[@dogvoter9973]

Her work in conversion is amazing, but she her building up and spreading joy to her community is what really impresses me! She gives people a sense of pride and honor. She’s given the bird and these women a voice!

[@paulafigueiredo1745]

What a beautiful stork army. Thank you for all your work ❤

[@gretamartin-r8n]

watching this from Australia , how wonderful .thoroughly enjoyed learning about these amazing storks ,and how so many women are now also able tp be self sufficient with their skills of weaving those beautiful pieces .

[@nilotpalsaikia5111]

As an Assamese and as an Indian I have always been so proud of our Purnima Ma'am her Hargilla Army. More power to you and your team.❤

[@garymorgan3443]

Wonderful story of these women. We need so much more of this. Thank you.

[@kpmkpm13th]

This lady is very very smart. One thing that Indian women outshine other country women is motherhood they are extremely sentimental of motherhood and extremely protective of their off-springs. This lady did a great job invoking that emotion and making them sympathize with these birds. Brilliant! And she not only saved the birds she improved the socio-economic state of these ladies too.

[@Śiśna3633]

She is the epitome of mother India.

[@carriebradley7634]

This is incredibly beautiful. I'm sending gratitude, respect, and love to all of these people for doing such important work for these birds. Thanks and well wishes from the U S. You are wonderful women! Bless you all! ❤

[@maribellemontero6119]

My respect for the Hargila Army...

[@ethanhopkins3323]

This has me in tears. I love yall. Amazing work for these birds and the community.

[@ShantanuS94]

Great initiative. Shows how indigenous communities coming together for conservation of endemic species can not only bring an impact on the species population, but also provide a sense of responsibility and a dignified livelihood to the local people.

[@eschwarz1003]

Those birds are freaking magnificent and Awesome imo!!! Unfortunate you have to convince people, but her strategic methods are genius and culture building; keep going with the divine important work

[@edisonalbeiroquirogahidalg5997]

Thank you to all women who helped this beautiful bird, our world is better because of you❤❤❤

[@MeRealist]

The world needs more people like her. Compassionate with a deep sense of purpose. Amazing and heartwarming.

[@divinedevotion77niyu]

This is sooo wholesome......This is how women led initiatives bring sustainability and love

[@aaron6178]

These women are just the best. I really enjoyed this. What a cool way to embrace nature into your lives.

[@peleber9678]

I'm crying like a baby, thanks to one amazing woman, so many animals get a chance at life. She found a way to bring the comunity together, she actually made people want to get involved. That's so amazing, so inspiring, people like her make me feel proud to be human. Which is a nice chance, since usually I'm ashamed of humans.

[@Replicaate]

What an eerie, yet magnificent creature. I never knew they existed until today, and am now forever grateful for Purnima and her fellow Assam women for banding together to defend these storks. May she and the birds continue to endure in this crazy world!

[@D0MINIC7]

People of Assam are very sensitive towards wild life . From conservation of rare one horn rhinos water buffalo tiger dolphin and elephant.. Assam is fight against poachers , illegal immigrant who encroach on forest land . . But international media like Al Jazeera has attacked Assamese culture and Assam because of repeated crack down on illegal encroachment (giving it a communal angle)

[@lorrainestafford3809]

Thank you ladies for being a passionate for the stokers and also you know you make money of your own too and sell it to people very good program thank you😊🎉

[@snatachakraborty3124]

I am truly mesmerized by Purnima Devi's empathy level!! Not only did she recognize and learn about the great adjutant storks, but she was patient with the community women too when they did not show up to the meetings. She found out about the people's lifestyle as much as that of the storks! She is truly a genius in that she recognizes the importance of backdoor conservation efforts and came up with probably the only model that works, reimagining a misunderstood animal (or plant) and sharing this new view with everyone to harbor 'empathy-driven conservation'. She has such an absolute love and passion for knowledge and nature, truly salute her, and hope she gets invited as a speaker to schools and institutes like the Wildlife Institute of India to break down her process to a new generation of conservationists!

[@Commonsenseisrare]

So impressive how Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, inspired a village and made saving these birds a communal effort and the local pride. Hats off to her. Such efforts are sustainable and can last generations. She showed the path for other conversation efforts to succeed.

[@anupamchangmai1310]

The lady Purnima Devi Barman is truly a hero for saving such a rare species. She is serving not only to the ecology but also doing for the Assamese culture, tradition . Because we know ecology has been a great part of our livelyhood from time immemorial. It gives the folk a unique identity to represent them in a different way. Ecology should be cherished and nurished. Here the rearing and caring of the birds again in the hand of thousands of women . A mother never fail to care for their child and we beleive in Hargila Army to save the birds at any cost . Why it should be always in the hands of the mother we all people should be together to save our nature. The mother nature gives everything to us and now its our turn to show the gratitude to her in the time of her crisis.

[@souma_sinharoy]

One little correction Hargilas feeding in garbage dumps isn't actually a "new" phenomenon even during the British raj era when Calcutta was the capital city of British India these storks were well known for feeding in dumping grounds so much so the old Kolkata Municipal Corporation logo and coat of arms had two Greater Adjutants in it but unfortunately these beautiful birds went extinct locally most probably due to loss of wetlands...I really hope someday government starts reintroducing these birds to their former range.

[@gowthamis2979]

British Raj is hardly 300 years old whereas these birds are atleast a few thousand years old. So it is a new phenomenon in their genetic mapping

[@perseypoppins]

how amazing that one person created a ripple effect this huge...it was thanks to her clever thinking and compassion for both birds and people that this movement was able to exist on such a massive scale and improve the situations of these birds so drastically. what a hero 🥺

[@neelnandi4026]

Absolute genius in terms of conservation and sustainability. Instead of fighting she capitalised on the social dynamic of the community. Amazing work!

[@Mellie_H]

Seeing these women, coming together, inspires me. I would love to join them!

[@dipanthacker4878]

One great woman who brought all together and helped the cause to save a species. Great respect for you madam 🎉 namaste

[@francesbernard2445]

I am impressed with how well organized that program is. Safety in numbers can accomplish a lot. That way no stranger can false accuse one of them of only spinning plates in the air only to get attention from men who belong to any destroying army.

[@kumud6504]

She came to our University, loved her talk session and her mission is inspiring.

[@beatpirate8]

the weaving wow! the celebrations so beautiful. im so happy they decided to fight for conservation! women and mothers can do so much to protect and restore the world! thank you. 🙏

[@adithyaarun8465]

This is amazing!!! Hope this inspires other communities to protect biodiversity in their region. India has many problems but one thing we have proved to be good at is reviving endangered animals. Great examples are the Tiger and Rhino population's revival.

[@BlissBlooded]

Blessed and smart people like u will always be born on this earth to save our nature. For billions of centuries to come.

[@saeedkanuga8374]

Only sincere and dedicated people like these can save world

[@nakulan420]

The fact that they incorporated the bird into fabrics ie art is commendable ❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@ytuseracct]

Indians has such amazing textile and weaving culture

[@reypettis2407]

What a great story and this Purnima should have much recognition for her amazing efforts and organizational skills. She is an inspiration.

[@prathimamanicum1153]

Inspiring story. So grateful for the work you are doing. Proud to be Indian.

[@Jenvlogs404]

So proud of this respect in local Dharmic philosophies, no idea had strokes, glad they’re finally getting their credit and the rural may not even know how big of an impact or deal it is and just do it out of their hearts.

[@violetg7315]

They look prehistoric, dinosaur like!

[@TheGrimStoic]

they are dinosaurs - as are all birds

[@BondJFK]

They're little Avian theropod dinos

[@DarkPrincessOfLight]

These women are incredible and compassionate!!

[@mariocrowder9067]

I love the hats. So nerdy, goofy and cute. Effective ❤

[@ruchashinde9735]

women like her can save society can save planet

[@buddhasdisciple4935]

1:29 Thank you PBS, for showing the correct map of India.

[@spicybrown75]

That's not the correct map. Pakistan owns the top part...get over it.

[@greatbalance]

@@spicybrown75 In your wet dreams LOL.... Pakistan owns nothing. It's a cancer to India and the world. get over it.

[@radhakrishndaas]

​@@spicybrown75Keep crying, one day we will get it😂😂

[@spicybrown75]

@@radhakrishndaas listen iam a Hindu from India. I am educated and know from history that Pakistan won that top part fair and square during the 1948 war. Why indians want to completely disregard history that took place not that long ago and keep throwing tantrums like you did?

[@radhakrishndaas]

@@spicybrown75 Now you listen, J&K was an independent state but pakistan start sending their army to capture it, Hari Singh signed to merge it with Indian. And listen you blind, pakistan never won that part from India but captured it before Indian army gets into the matter, they were send back to that part before UN announced ceasefire. I think you understand what is ceasefire. And you don't know Indians completely, we will get that part one day. Be in your dream so called Indian🤣 Jai Hind🙏

[@nina5320]

What a lovely story, what a power woman, she can be very proud of herself🥲😘

[@kuldeephaloi341]

Salute to Purnima and her innovative ideas and salute to her Hargila army too...

[@wagabondpickles6183]

Beautiful video and conservation work, and very true that conservation without livelihoods and cultural integration is very difficult. I'm also sure there are many not so beautiful aspects of this conservation work...the years of patience and stigma, rejection, mockery, the filth surrounding the nests, people's attitudes, patriarchy and intimidation from mafias. I hope these women (and men joining them) are given all the support they need to make this a lasting success that can become a model for community based conservation in the global south where funding for such things is always limited or even nonexistant.

[@Rohit-jc2sm]

Global south is last place where animals still exist including last tigers, lions, elephant's etc because west has 99% wiped out nature in there countries and tried in colonial countries for example when british left india only 27 asiatic lions are in wild now more than 1000, only 100 or so tigers now 3000, only 100 rinos now more than 500.

[@Tenisinspector8341]

@@Rohit-jc2smIncluding the English Wolf that used to roam across the Anglo Saxon lands

[@violinachetia5086]

Your dedication to this tork conservation is truly inspiring.The work you're doing to protect and conserve this beautiful creatures and their habitat is making a difference. The world is a better place because of the work you're doing.

[@gracejm717]

What a heart warming story! We need more people like Ms Purnima! What an inspiration! 💚

[@gayatrim3826]

What a wonderful story! Thank you Purnima and the women of Hargila Army for turning around the lives of these lovely birds and themselves. I have purchased a gamocha from your website- hope it helps in a small way in the conservation and community activities. ❤❤

[@sharonpruitt7115]

You GO GIRLS! As caregivers and helpmates we can help the marginalized around the world. I thank you women who support endangered and threatened species.

[@THEASSASIN-nb7be]

Purnima is an angel May God Bless her and her team 😇

[@bindukumarkithoormaat6436]

Big salute to these women 🙏 they really did extraordinary work. They should get more recognition and support from Central Govt. ❤❤

[@vivalaleta]

Thank you so much, ladies.

[@LovingAllll]

Assam is such a lush green and beautiful part of India❤

[@Morgan-pf8nu]

Thank you for your wonderful work!

[@manab.baruah]

When I used to visit my ancestral village in Sibsagar, Assam back in early 90s, I'd sometimes see them. Not anymore. Even as we enter Sibsagar town, there would be vultures too. But not anymore. Sibsagar is filled with low wetlands, hopefully their population will be making a comeback.

[@kingstonmathew2201]

I appreciate and respect all you wonderful women for the determination and hard work you have put to save these birds and it habitat, being an Indian citizen i never realised these birds and their habitat were in depletion

[@RSJ1947]

"People do it when it is relevant" wise words. Keep it up Dr Purnima and thanks for your work.

[@kaze987]

Very inspiring! Perhaps eco-tourism is the next step for these villages to host visitors for tours? Yeah, it does look a lil like an undertaker

[@gauraviper]

Superb documentary! Such efforts must be recognised on even larger platforms... What beautiful ideas employed to spread awareness among people. Winning confidence of local people is key for protection and conservation of such species..!

[@ashwin.swaminathan]

The Hargila inspired handloom is SO BEAUTIFUL. It’s a genius move to inspire conservation. Humans are a very competitive species and it is (sadly) natural that the locals would worry more about filling their stomachs and defending their homes and farms from predators or pests. It must have taken a mountain of effort and strategic campaigning to assure people that cohabitation with these birds is not only possible but also beneficial, given their scavenging duties. It’s so heartening to see the numbers restore thanks to their efforts. I wish that we replicate these results in other parts of the country and evolve our culture into an emblem of wildlife conservation and appreciation.

[@Starstruck-v2u]

this made me cry, I wish i could join them. Not only are they working for a good cause they are having fun doing this

[@mituldesai666]

People like Purnima are real Idols who generated awareness for the conservation of this Stork species which are Indengared and now recovering. Pranam to her.

[@bonemarrow3439]

This is incredible, Jai Axom!

[@alileevil]

Dr Purnima Devi Barman got a very positive vibe. Thank you for your work. You are an inspiration.

[@maychanpo]

魚をくわえたコウノトリ柄のテキスタイルやシルバーイヤリングも素敵😍 救ってくれてありがとう。 日本でもコウノトリモチーフは人気です🐥

[@SorenAlba54]

What Purnima has done is something very special and outstanding. I never heard of this stork and because of her, I can be happy knowing that this bird, like many others, will live on for generations to come. People tend to say that all it takes is one person to make a difference and she’s the living embodiment of that statement. With her movement, the women in her village was able to become so integrated with the stork that not only it led to the inspiration design of the clothing that they weave but they also let it be part of their culture as a whole. Plus, her army alone was able to change the status of the greater adjutant stork in the IUCN list. How insane is that?! Due to her positive influence in the community, they now call her “Madam Purnima” like a noblewoman. One should care less about titles but this is something worth holding onto because she did so much for everyone that they all look up to her and she earned it, big time. May God bless her caring heart and hopefully, I get to meet her one day in the future. 🌏✊

[@johndonahue4777]

I especially enjoyed the conversation between two rescue chicks. They reminded me of my father in old age, plus his buddies. These women are heroes and exhibit the leadership talent of heroes before them. It inspires hope that has also grown rare in the battery age.

[@spicybrown75]

Love this ladies. So so proud of you! Please convey my support in spirit to these exceptional ladies 🙏🏽

[@TAB-oh5ti]

What a great initiative , it will inspire the upcoming generation for conservation. A big salute to Purnima Devi ji.

[@oakygn]

those textiles are so beautiful, the amount of work put into each one is mind blowing

[@VikasKesavan]

Hats off to Purnima's attitude and efforts..! Wish I could follow her footsteps in helping conservation.