Chapter Summary: Back From the Brink | Class 7 English Alive PDF Download

Introduction

The narrative showcases the remarkable journey of Purnima Devi Barman, a dedicated biologist and conservationist from Assam, who took on the mission to rescue the Greater Adjutant stork, also known as hargila, from the brink of extinction. Despite its less appealing appearance, Purnima's relentless efforts highlight how the commitment of one individual can lead to substantial change in environmental conservation.

Detailed Summary

Purnima Devi Barman grew up in Assam, where she often observed the Greater Adjutant stork during her childhood. This bird, which stands at an impressive height of five feet with an eight-foot wingspan, has a somewhat unattractive appearance with a balding head and few feathers. It also produces a grunting croak instead of a melodious call. Traditionally, the bird was not well-loved, referred to by an ornithologist as 'a prodigy of ugliness' and commonly seen as a nuisance due to its messy eating habits.

Historically, the Greater Adjutant was a common sight, with huge flocks found from Pakistan to Cambodia. In places like Kolkata, the bird was a regular presence, perching atop many houses. However, over the years, the rapid destruction of its wetland habitats and the felling of trees where it nests led to a drastic reduction in its population. By the 1990s, their numbers had dwindled to a mere 1,000, positioning the species dangerously close to extinction.

In 2007, while working on her thesis about these storks, Purnima realized the dire situation when she found hardly any nests in the Brahmaputra Valley. The local villagers, who owned the land where the storks nested, saw the birds more as pests than as part of their natural heritage. The birds, known locally as hargila or "bone-swallower," were often killed for their meat, which was used in folk remedies, or their nesting trees were cut down.

Recognizing the urgent need for action, Purnima embarked on a passionate campaign to save the Greater Adjutant. She aimed to transform local perceptions and foster a sense of pride and responsibility towards these birds. Drawing an analogy with her daughters, she explained to the villagers that just as one would not reject their children for making a mess, they should not reject these birds, which are a part of their community.

Purnima's approach was multifaceted. She engaged with local schools, where she educated children about the ecological role of the Greater Adjutant. This involvement was crucial as the children belonged to families that owned the very trees where the storks nested. By aligning her conservation efforts with the local culture and religion, she made a compelling case for the bird’s protection. On World Wetlands Day, for instance, children went home praising the hargila and encouraging the protection of their nesting trees.

Additionally, Purnima utilized local religious sites and community events to further her cause. She presented slideshows at a local temple, conducted cooking contests, and celebrated the bird during community gatherings. Her consistent efforts gradually shifted public opinion, and the stork began to be seen as a source of local pride rather than a pest.

This change in perception was evidenced by the community's proactive involvement in conservation. Villagers started to protect the nesting trees and cared for fallen chicks, especially during the monsoons when the storks were most vulnerable. Purnima’s nickname, "hargila baideu" (stork sister), affectionately coined by the locals, reflects the deep respect and affection they developed for her and her conservation efforts.

The transformation was so profound that by 2016, Purnima observed a significant increase in the Greater Adjutant population, with the number of nests rising from around 30 in 2007 to 150. Estimates suggested about 550 Greater Adjutants were thriving in Kamrup district alone.

Inspired by her success, Purnima founded the Hargila Army, a group of local women committed to the cause. This initiative not only empowered women by providing them with a source of income through the creation and sale of handicrafts featuring the stork but also played a crucial role in raising awareness and funds for ongoing conservation efforts.

Through her innovative and community-centered approach, Purnima Devi Barman not only saved the Greater Adjutant from extinction but also demonstrated how community involvement can lead to successful conservation. Her work has received international recognition and several awards, affirming the global importance of her efforts in biodiversity conservation.

Theme and Message

The central theme of this inspiring story is the power of individual determination and community engagement in environmental conservation. Purnima Devi Barman's story teaches us that every creature, no matter how unattractive, plays a crucial role in our ecosystem and deserves our respect and protection. The message is clear: conservation efforts can lead to significant ecological and social benefits when communities are engaged and take ownership of their natural heritage.

Difficult Words and Meanings

Conservationist: A person who advocates or acts for the protection and preservation of the environment and wildlife.

Biologist: A scientist who studies living organisms and their relationship to their environment.

Endangered: At risk of extinction or serious depletion.

Ornithologist: A scientist who studies birds.

Ecosystem: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

Scavengers: Animals that feed on dead or decaying organic material.

Charismatic: Having charm and appeal, especially in relation to leadership or public speaking.

Grassroots: The most basic level of an activity or organization; involving the ordinary people.

Advocacy: Active support for a cause or position.

Sustainable: Capable of being continued with minimal long-term effect on the environment.