Shillong, May 25: Meghalaya environmentalist and custodian of Khasi indigenous knowledge, Hally War, was conferred the prestigious Padma Shri by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, during the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday.
Born on February 5, 1957, Hally War has spent more than five decades preserving nature and promoting ecological harmony through the traditional Khasi practice of “bio-weaving.” Widely recognised for his role in nurturing the iconic Living Root Bridges (Jingkieng Jri) in the East Khasi Hills, he has become a symbol of sustainable living and indigenous environmental conservation.
Since the age of ten, he has been carefully guiding and shaping the aerial roots of the Ficus elastica tree to create living bridges that connect remote mountain communities in Meghalaya. These naturally engineered structures are regarded globally as examples of sustainable bioengineering rooted in traditional indigenous wisdom.
Among his notable contributions is the Umkar Living Root Bridge, which reflects years of patient nurturing and deep understanding of natural ecosystems. The bridge continues to serve local communities while symbolising the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
Apart from his environmental work, Hally War has also contributed to the social and economic upliftment of the region by mentoring local families and passing down the traditional knowledge of root-bridge weaving to younger generations. His efforts have helped preserve a rare cultural heritage while promoting sustainable, community-led tourism in the Sohra plateau.
Despite leading a humble life as a farmer cultivating betel nuts and black pepper, Hally War’s lifelong dedication to environmental stewardship and indigenous conservation practices has earned him national recognition as one of the country’s unsung heroes.
The Padma Shri honour acknowledges his outstanding contribution to environmental conservation and highlights the significance of indigenous knowledge systems in addressing modern ecological challenges.
Among the dignitaries present at the ceremony were the Vice President of India, the Prime Minister and the Union Minister for Home Affairs.
