Guwahati, 28 June (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat, praised internationally acclaimed conservationist Dr. Purnima Devi Barman of Assam for her remarkable efforts in conserving the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork (Hargila). He highlighted how her women-led Hargila Army transformed public perception of the bird and turned its conservation into a successful community movement.

A BJP Assam Pradesh press statement said Dr. Barman's initiative, launched in 2007, has helped increase active Hargila nests in the Pachariya region from 28 to over 200 and now involves more than 20,000 members. The party said the Prime Minister's recognition would inspire greater public participation in wildlife conservation.

Meanwhile, BJP Assam Pradesh President and MP Dilip Saikia attended a collective listening session of Mann Ki Baat at Mangaldai. The party also organised similar programmes at over 30,000 booths across 433 Mandals in Assam, with lakhs of party workers and citizens participating.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash