‘HARGILA’ documentary honours community-driven conservation efforts

Guwahati: In a stirring tribute to grassroots conservation and the power of community engagement, the short documentary HARGILA – The Greater Adjutant Stork, directed by senior IPS officer and filmmaker Dr. Parthasarathi Mahanta, has received wide national and international recognition for its moving portrayal of one of the world’s rarest birds and its dramatic comeback. The film, which spotlights the revival of the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork in Assam, has been officially selected for nine prestigious film festivals across India and abroad. These include the Mumbai Short Film Festival, S.O.F.A Film Festival, and the Wildlife Conservation Film Festival, among others. It was also honoured with a Special Mention at the 69th National Film Awards 2022 for its compelling storytelling and impactful cinematography. At the heart of HARGILA is the work of Dr. Purnima Devi Barman, a Whitley Award-winning conservationist who led a transformative community movement in the villages of Dadara and Pasaria. Once maligned as an ill-omened and filthy bird, the Greater Adjutant—locally known as Hargila—faced the brink of extinction. Dr. Barman’s grassroots campaign, especially her engagement with rural women, turned the tide. Villagers began to protect nesting trees, celebrate the bird's presence, and foster a renewed respect for the species. Produced by Mina Mahanta and Indrani Baruah, the film not only showcases the biological revival of a species but also the social awakening of a community. Through evocative visuals and emotional depth, HARGILA stands as a powerful testament to how empathy, awareness, and local leadership can reshape conservation. HARGILA is more than a film—it is a call to action, spotlighting how community-driven efforts can redefine humanity’s relationship with nature.