Hally War Wins Padma Shri 2026 For 50+ Years Of Growing Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges

This Meghalaya Man Began Growing a Living Root Bridge at 10 & 50 Years Later, He Won a Padma Shri

Hally War from Siej village, Meghalaya, has been awarded the Padma Shri for shaping a living root bridge he began learning as a child, guided by Khasi tradition.

Hally War Wins Padma Shri 2026 For 50+ Years Of Growing Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges

Hally War, a 69-year-old farmer and former village headman from Siej, Meghalaya, was honored with India’s prestigious Padma Shri award on January 26, 2026. This recognition celebrates his five decades of dedication to preserving and strengthening living root bridges—extraordinary natural structures grown from the roots of the rubber fig tree (Ficus elastica) that connect remote communities across the Khasi Hills. Inspired by his grandfather’s wi…