Shillong: Hally War of Siej village, Sohra, Meghalaya has been conferred the Padma Shri Award 2026 for his contribution to social work and environmental conservation, particularly in the field of afforestation and preservation of indigenous practices.
An unsung guardian of indigenous knowledge, he has been conferred the Padma Shri for his extraordinary contribution to conserving and promoting the traditional bioengineering wisdom of the Khasi people. Through his lifelong dedication to the art of bio-weaving living root bridges in the East Khasi Hills, he has preserved a rare ancestral practice and strengthened community bonds, enhanced ecological resilience and promoted sustainable tourism. By mentoring local families in root bridge weaving and environmental stewardship, his work stands as a powerful testament to the enduring harmony between culture, community and nature.
A farmer by profession, Hally War cultivates betel nuts, betel leaves, black pepper, and various fruit crops, while continuing to serve as a custodian of nature and traditional knowledge.
Expressing his gratitude on 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.”
Through sustained afforestation practices rooted in local traditions, he has contributed immensely to environmental sustainability and community well-being. His work stands as a fine example of how traditional wisdom can support modern ecological needs.
Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines/fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.
These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March / April every year. For the year 2026, the President has approved conferment of 131 Padma Awards including 2 duo cases (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one).
The list comprises 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri Awards. 19 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 6 persons from the category of Foreigners / NRI / PIO / OCI and 16 Posthumous awardees.
