SHILLONG, JAN 25: Hally War of Siej village in Sohra, Meghalaya, has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri 2026 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to social work, environmental conservation, and the preservation of indigenous practices.

A true custodian of Khasi traditional knowledge, Hally War has devoted his life to the weaving and nurturing of living root bridges, a rare ancestral practice that strengthens community ties, enhances ecological resilience, and promotes sustainable tourism in the East Khasi Hills. Through his guidance and mentorship, he has trained local families in root bridge weaving and environmental stewardship, demonstrating a harmonious balance between culture, community, and nature.

A farmer by profession, Shri Hally War cultivates betel nuts, betel leaves, black pepper, and a variety of fruits, while continuing his lifelong role as a guardian of nature and traditional wisdom.

Expressing his gratitude on receiving the honour, he said,
“Being a farmer who cultivates betel nuts, betel leaves, black pepper, and many types of fruits, I first want to thank God for this opportunity. I am very happy and thankful to the people who selected my name for this award.”

The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours and are conferred in three categories—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—across disciplines including art, social work, public affairs, science, engineering, trade, medicine, literature, sports, and civil service.

For 2026, the President of India has approved 131 Padma Awards, comprising five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri honours. The list includes 19 women awardees, six recipients from the Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI category, and 16 posthumous awards.

Hally War’s recognition not only honours an individual’s lifelong dedication but also shines a national spotlight on Meghalaya’s unique heritage of living root bridges and sustainable practices, inspiring communities to preserve traditional knowledge for future generations.