Wildlife conservationist from Assam, Purnima Devi Barman, was conferred the Nari Shakti Puraskar 2017 by President Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi on Thursday.

The award is the highest civilian honour for women.

'I was really surprised that I am invited to be crowned with Nari Shakti Puraskar 2017... 30 women from different background were crowned with this honour. I am greatly indebted to all of you who inspired and supported me. Thanks a lot to my team, Hargila Army volunteers, the communities from Dadara Pachariya Singimari village in Kamrup district and all the supporters and well-wishers,' Purnima said in a Facebook post