Dr. Purnima Devi Burman

Recognition:

• Recently named in Time Magazine’s “Woman of the Year” 2025.
• One of 13 women globally to receive this honor

Contributions:

• Identified a problem affecting women and worked on sustainable solutions.
• Led conservation efforts for the endangered Hargila bird also known as the Greater Adjutant Stork and its wetland habitat.

Profile:

• Wildlife biologist from Assam, born in the Kamrup region.
• Studied at Guwahati University with a Master’s in Folklore (specializing in Nomenclature Biology).
• Serves as the Director of YNN (Women in Nature Network) India.
• Member of the IUCN Stork, Ibis and Spoonbill Specialist Group.
• Recipient of prestigious awards including the Nari Shakti Puraskar (2017) and the Whitley Gold Award (2017, 2024).

About Time Magazine

• American media company founded in 1923.
• Began as a weekly news magazine; now a global multimedia platform.
• Known for recognizing influential figures through awards like “Person of the Year.”