PM Modi lauds Assam's 'Hargila Army' for transforming superstition into conservation movement
New Delhi, June 28
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded Assam's women-led 'Hargila Army' for transforming age-old superstition into a successful conservation movement, saying the initiative demonstrated how scientific awareness and community participation can change deeply entrenched social beliefs.
Addressing the nation in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister said superstition has existed in human society for thousands of years and often breeds fear, preventing people from recognising the truth.
"Superstition is not merely a misconception; it creates fear. When fear dominates the mind, people stop seeing the truth and begin making decisions without logic or knowledge of facts," PM Modi said.
He said, however, that many individuals challenge such beliefs through science, experience and reason, adding that the journey from superstition to awareness is difficult but achievable.
Citing the example of Assam's endangered greater adjutant stork, locally known as the 'Hargila', PM Modi said the bird plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by cleaning the environment.
The Prime Minister noted that despite its ecological importance, the bird had long been regarded as inauspicious in some parts of Assam, with people often cutting down trees that housed its nests.
"A bird that helps keep the environment clean became a victim of fear and superstition," he said.
PM Modi praised noted conservation biologist Purnima Devi Barman for leading efforts to change public perception about the species.
He said Barman reached out to local women, explained the scientific importance of the bird and gradually built a community movement around its conservation.
The Prime Minister said the campaign eventually led to a remarkable transformation, with the bird once viewed as a bad omen becoming a symbol of pride for villages across Assam. Today, thousands of rural women are associated with the conservation initiative, popularly known as the 'Hargila Army', he said.
The Prime Minister said the women overcame social resistance and worked tirelessly to spread awareness, proving that even long-standing superstitions can be replaced with scientific understanding and compassion when the right information reaches society.
— IANS
Reader Comments
PM Modi rightly highlighted how superstition clouds judgment. But I wish the government would also invest more in scientific education in rural areas so such transformations happen faster. Still, kudos to the women of Assam for leading this change!
Bahut badhiya initiative! 😊 It's amazing how women can change entire communities when given knowledge and support. The Hargila Army is now a symbol of how conservation and women empowerment go hand in hand. Jai Assam, Jai Hind!
I'm so proud of my Assamese sisters! The Hargila Army is proof that when women unite, they can overcome centuries-old beliefs. Purnima Devi Barman's work is truly inspirational. More such efforts needed across India for other superstitions too.
As an environmental scientist, this makes me so happy! The greater adjutant stork is a keystone species for wetlands. What the Hargila Army has done is pure community-driven conservation. Would love to see similar models adopted globally.
Purnima Devi Barman is a true inspiration! Turning something seen as inauspicious into a source of community pride is no small feat. However, I hope the government also provides more resources to sustain such movements long-term.
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