'Hargila': Assam documentary highlights grassroots conservation triumph of World's most endangered birds
The documentary Hargila captures the inspiring conservation journey of the Greater Adjutant Stork in Assam. It honours the leadership of Dr. Purnima Devi Barman and community efforts that saved the endangered bird from extinction.
- Jun 06, 2025,
- Updated Jun 06, 2025, 1:53 PM IST
In a powerful tribute to grassroots conservation and community empowerment, the short documentary “HARGILA – The Greater Adjutant Stork”, directed by senior IPS officer and filmmaker Dr. Parthasarathi Mahanta, has garnered national and international acclaim for chronicling the dramatic revival of one of the world’s most endangered birds.
The film has been officially selected and screened at nine prestigious international film festivals, including:
- Mumbai Short Film Festival, 2022
- S.O.F.A Film Festival (Animals, Wildlife, Environment, Conservation), 2022
- 11th Delhi Shorts International Film Festival, 2022
- Tagore International Film Festival, 2022
- Goa Short Film Festival, 2022
- Pune Short Film Festival, 2022
- Wildlife Conservation Film Festival, 2022
- 15th Jaipur International Film Festival, 2023
- 13th Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival, 2023
Adding to its accolades, HARGILA received a Special Mention at the 69th National Film Awards 2022, recognized for its poignant storytelling, impactful cinematography, and vital message on environmental conservation.
At the heart of the documentary is Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, a Whitley Award-winning conservationist who spearheaded a unique community-driven initiative in Assam’s Dadara-Pasaria villages. Once regarded as a dirty or ill-omened bird, the Greater Adjutant—locally called Hargila—was facing near extinction due to habitat loss and negative public perception. Through Dr. Barman’s grassroots mobilization, particularly among rural women, attitudes shifted and local communities began protecting nesting trees, celebrating the stork’s presence, and embracing their role as environmental guardians.
Produced by Mina Mahanta and Indrani Baruah, the documentary captures this inspiring transformation with cinematic depth and emotional resonance.
Watch the film here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMpJrkc7mK4
Once listed among the IUCN’s 20 most endangered bird species globally, the Greater Adjutant's resurgence is now a beacon of hope for community-led conservation models. HARGILA not only documents the survival of a species but also honors the courage, wisdom, and leadership of women in redefining ecological stewardship.