Hally War, a master craftsman behind Meghalaya’s world-famous living root bridges, has been honoured with the Padma Shri Award 2026 for his exceptional contribution to preserving indigenous ecological knowledge and sustainable practices.

A resident of Siej village in the Meghalaya, the 69-year-old farmer has dedicated decades of his life to nurturing and guiding the aerial roots of rubber fig trees to form living bridges. This centuries-old Khasi tradition is renowned for its strength, longevity, and harmony with nature—qualities that have made the structures both functional and symbolic of sustainable living.

Through patience and deep understanding of natural growth cycles, Hally War has helped keep this rare form of bio-engineering alive. His work has not only ensured the survival of the practice but has also inspired younger generations in the Khasi Hills to respect, learn, and protect their ecological heritage.

The living root bridges, which take years—sometimes decades—to fully mature, have become global symbols of resilience and innovation rooted in nature. Researchers, environmentalists, and visitors from across the world travel to Meghalaya to study these structures, often citing them as living examples of sustainable infrastructure far ahead of modern engineering concepts.

Hally War’s recognition under the Padma Shri’s Unsung Heroes category underscores the importance of community-led knowledge systems and traditional environmental stewardship. His journey reflects how indigenous wisdom, when preserved and respected, can offer powerful solutions to contemporary challenges such as climate resilience and sustainable development.

The honour not only celebrates an individual craftsman but also shines a national spotlight on Khasi heritage and the invaluable role of indigenous practices in shaping a more sustainable future.

📷 File Photo | SD