Khasi man receives Padma Shri for preserving living root bridges

Shillong: Hally War, a Khasi man from Meghalaya, known for his lifelong dedication to weaving and taking care of living root bridges in the southern slopes of Khasi Hills region of the state, was honoured with the Padma Shri on Monday.President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to War at the civil investiture ceremony-I held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.A distinguished environmentalist and custodian of Khasi indigenous knowledge, War has emerged as a global symbol of sustainable living and traditional bioengineering.CM Conrad Sangma, who was present at the event, said, “His journey reminds us that true nation-building also lies in preserving our heritage, protecting nature, and passing on traditions that define who we are”.Born on Feb 5, 1957, he has dedicated over five decades to preserving nature, strengthening community resilience and promoting ecological harmony through the ancient art of “bio-weaving”.Since the age of 10, War has been nurturing and shaping the aerial roots of the Ficus elastica tree to create the living root bridges (Jingkieng Jri) of the East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya. These living structures connect remote mountain communities while standing as enduring examples of sustainable engineering rooted in indigenous wisdom.Among his most celebrated contributions is the Umkar Living Root Bridge, reflecting decades of patient nurturing and profound understanding of natural ecosystems. The bridge continues to provide safe passage for generations while symbolising the harmonious relationship between people and nature.