Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended Assam’s women-led ‘Hargila Army’ for successfully converting age-old superstitions into a conservation movement. During his monthly radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi highlighted the power of scientific awareness and community involvement in challenging deep-rooted social beliefs. He emphasized that superstitions, fueled by fear, often hinder people from acknowledging reality and making logical decisions.
PM Modi acknowledged the significant role played by the endangered greater adjutant stork, locally known as ‘Hargila’, in maintaining ecological balance through environmental cleaning. Despite its ecological importance, the bird had been considered inauspicious in certain Assam regions, leading to the destruction of its habitats. Noted conservation biologist Purnima Devi Barman was praised for spearheading efforts to alter public perception about the species.
Barman’s outreach to local women, educating them on the bird’s scientific significance, resulted in the formation of a community movement for its conservation. The ‘Hargila Army’, as it is popularly known, transformed the bird from a symbol of bad luck to a source of pride in Assam villages. PM Modi lauded the women for their perseverance in overcoming societal resistance and spreading awareness, showcasing that scientific understanding and compassion can replace longstanding superstitions when disseminated effectively.
