SHILLONG: Hally War of Siej village in Sohra, Meghalaya, has been conferred the prestigious Padma Shri Award 2026 for his outstanding contribution to social work and environmental conservation, particularly in the areas of afforestation and preservation of indigenous practices.
An unsung guardian of Khasi traditional knowledge, Hally War has been recognised for his lifelong dedication to conserving and promoting the ancient bioengineering wisdom of living root bridge weaving in the East Khasi Hills. Through decades of patient effort, he has safeguarded a rare ancestral practice that harmoniously blends culture, community, and nature.
His work in nurturing and bio-weaving living root bridges has not only strengthened community bonds but also enhanced ecological resilience and promoted sustainable tourism in the region. By mentoring local families in root bridge construction and environmental stewardship, Shri War has ensured the intergenerational transfer of this unique indigenous skill, reinforcing the Khasi people’s deep relationship with their natural surroundings.
A farmer by profession, Shri Hally War cultivates betel nuts, betel leaves, black pepper, and a variety of fruit crops, while continuing to serve as a custodian of nature and traditional ecological knowledge. His sustained afforestation practices, rooted in local traditions, have made a lasting impact on environmental sustainability and community well-being.
Expressing his gratitude upon receiving the honour, 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.”
His life’s work stands as a powerful reminder that traditional wisdom can effectively address modern ecological challenges, offering sustainable solutions grounded in indigenous knowledge systems.
The Padma Awards, among the highest civilian honours of India, are conferred in three categories—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri—across diverse fields including art, social work, science, education, sports, civil service and environmental conservation.
For 2026, the President of India has approved the conferment of 131 Padma Awards, including 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri Awards. The list features 19 women awardees, 6 recipients from the Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI category, and 16 posthumous honours. The awards will be presented at ceremonial functions at Rashtrapati Bhawan around March–April 2026.
