Shillong, May 25: Hally War of Meghalaya was presented the Padma Shri by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday.
A distinguished environmentalist and revered custodian of Khasi indigenous knowledge, War has emerged as a global symbol of sustainable living and traditional bioengineering.
Born on February 5, 1957, he has dedicated over five decades to preserving nature, strengthening community resilience and promoting ecological harmony through the ancient art of “bio-weaving.”
Since the age of 10, War has been nurturing and shaping the aerial roots of the Ficus elastica tree to create the iconic Living Root Bridges (Jingkieng Jri) of the East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya. These remarkable living structures connect remote mountain communities while standing as enduring examples of sustainable engineering rooted in indigenous wisdom.
Among his most celebrated contributions is the Umkar Living Root Bridge, reflecting decades of patient nurturing and profound understanding of natural ecosystems. The bridge continues to provide safe passage for generations while symbolising the harmonious relationship between people and nature.
Beyond his technical expertise, War has played a pivotal role in the social and economic upliftment of his region. By mentoring local families and passing down the intergenerational tradition of root-bridge weaving, he has ensured the preservation of a rare cultural heritage. His efforts have also strengthened the ecological resilience of the Sohra plateau and encouraged sustainable, community-led tourism in the region.
Despite living a humble life as a farmer cultivating betel nuts and black pepper, War’s contributions to environmental stewardship and indigenous conservation practices have earned him recognition as one of the country’s true unsung heroes.
The Padma Shri honour recognises Hally War’s lifelong commitment to environmental conservation and highlights the importance of indigenous knowledge systems in addressing contemporary ecological challenges.
Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were the Vice President of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah.
