Our Bureau
SHILLONG/GUWAHATI, Jan 25: The President of India has approved the conferment of the Padma Shri Award 2026 to Hally War from Siej village, Sohra, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to social work, environmental conservation, and the preservation of indigenous traditions.
Hally War’s extraordinary journey stands out as a powerful example of how one individual’s dedication can preserve an ancient, eco-friendly practice for generations. Beginning at the age of just 10 under his grandfather’s guidance, he has devoted over five decades to nurturing and crafting living root bridges, known as jingkieng jri in Khasi tradition.
These remarkable structures are formed by patiently guiding and weaving the aerial roots of the rubber fig tree (Ficus elastica) across streams and gorges—creating natural bridges that grow stronger with time, require no artificial materials, and harmonise perfectly with the environment.
As a true guardian and ambassador of Khasi heritage, Hally War has not only maintained historic living root bridges but also created new ones, revived the fading art in the face of modern alternatives, and promoted sustainable afforestation rooted in local wisdom.
Through hands-on mentoring, he has taught families and younger community members the intricate bio-weaving techniques, strengthening community bonds, enhancing ecological resilience, and boosting sustainable tourism that showcases Meghalaya’s unique natural engineering.
A humble farmer by profession, Hally War cultivates betel nuts, betel leaves, black pepper, and various fruit crops while continuing his tireless service as a custodian of nature and traditional knowledge. His work exemplifies how indigenous practices can address modern needs for environmental sustainability and cultural continuity.
Expressing his deep 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 award.”
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma personally congratulated Hally War, recalling his meeting with him during a trek to the living root bridges in Siej last year. The CM praised Hally War’s profound knowledge, deep respect for nature, and unwavering community spirit, calling him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious honour.
Hally War is among ten achievers from the Northeast selected for the 2026 Padma Awards (including five from Assam).
Nine more Padma awardees from NE
Besides Hally War, nine more achievers from the Northeast, including five from Assam, have been selected for the prestigious Padma Awards in recognition of their distinguished contributions in diverse fields such as art, literature, social work, public affairs and science.
The awardees from Assam are: Haricharan Saikia (Art), Jogesh Deuri (Agriculture), Kabindra Purkayastha (Posthumous) (Public Affairs), Nuruddin Ahmed (Art) and Pokhila Lekthepi (Art).
From Arunachal Pradesh, social worker Techi Gubin has been honoured with the Padma Shri for his contribution to community development while Yumnam Jatra Singh (Posthumous) from Manipur has been recognised for his work in the field of art.
Sangyusang S. Pongener from Nagaland was honoured for his contribution to art while Naresh Chandra Dev Varma from Tripura has been awarded the Padma Shri for his work in literature and education.
The full list comprises five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri Awards.
