Shillong, January 25 : In a proud moment for Meghalaya, Hally War, an environmentalist and farmer from Siej village, Sohra, has been conferred the Padma Shri Award 2026 for his exceptional contribution to environmental conservation and indigenous bioengineering practices. His lifelong commitment to preserving the Khasi tradition of living root bridges has earned him recognition as one of India’s unsung heroes of sustainability.
The award honours War’s tireless efforts to safeguard and promote the centuries-old art of bio-weaving living root bridges, a unique practice of the Khasi community that combines ecological wisdom with engineering ingenuity. Through his mentorship and hands-on guidance, he has helped local families revive the dying art of root bridge cultivation — a process that takes decades of patience, community cooperation, and deep respect for nature.
Expressing his gratitude, Hally War said, “Being a farmer who cultivates betel nuts, betel leaves, black pepper and many types of fruits, first of all I want to thank God for this opportunity to receive this award. I am very happy and thankful to the people who selected my name for this honour.”
A farmer by profession and environmentalist by passion, War’s life embodies the harmonious coexistence of tradition and ecology. His efforts have not only conserved biodiversity but also inspired younger generations to take pride in their cultural heritage while promoting eco-friendly tourism in Sohra and beyond.
Through sustained afforestation initiatives rooted in local traditions, War has contributed significantly to environmental restoration, helping prevent soil erosion and strengthen natural ecosystems. His work demonstrates how traditional knowledge systems can effectively complement modern ecological practices.
The living root bridges — locally known as Jingkieng Jri — have now become global symbols of resilience and natural architecture, drawing environmental researchers, architects, and tourists from across the world.
The Padma Awards, among India’s highest civilian honours, are presented annually in three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri — for distinguished service in fields such as art, social work, public affairs, science, literature, education, and civil service.
For the year 2026, the President of India has approved 131 Padma Awards, including 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients. Nineteen of the awardees are women, with six foreign and sixteen posthumous awardees among the honourees.
