Shillong, May 25: Meghalaya environmentalist and indigenous knowledge keeper Hally War was conferred the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday, recognising his lifelong efforts to preserve the iconic Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya.
A pioneer of the ancient Khasi practice of “bio-weaving,” the 69-year-old environmentalist from Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills has spent more than five decades nurturing the aerial roots of the Ficus elastica tree to create and maintain the region’s famous Living Root Bridges, locally known as Jingkieng Jri.
Beginning the work at the age of ten, War has helped sustain a rare indigenous engineering tradition that connects remote communities across deep valleys and rivers in the Sohra region while promoting ecological balance and climate resilience.
One of his most celebrated contributions is the Umkar Living Root Bridge, regarded as a symbol of harmony between people and nature and an enduring example of sustainable infrastructure built entirely through natural processes.
The Padma Shri citation described War as a distinguished environmentalist and custodian of Khasi indigenous knowledge whose work has become a global symbol of sustainable living and traditional bioengineering.
Beyond conservation, War has also mentored local families in the art of root-bridge weaving, helping preserve an intergenerational cultural heritage while encouraging community-led eco-tourism in Meghalaya.
Despite gaining international recognition, War continues to lead a modest life as a farmer cultivating betel nuts and black pepper.
The honour also highlights the growing recognition of indigenous knowledge systems in addressing modern environmental and ecological challenges.
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were among the dignitaries present during the ceremony.
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