From childhood play to Padma Shri: Hally War, the Meghalaya man behind the world’s living root bridges

What began as a childhood game for Hally War in a small village of Meghalaya has grown into a lifelong mission of conservation, one that has now earned him the Padma Shri.

War was just 10 years old when he first started guiding the aerial roots of rubber fig trees in Siej village, located in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district. As a child, helping roots grow in the right direction felt like play. Over the years, that curiosity turned into deep responsibility.

As per a report by India Today NE, War said, “At first, it was like a game for us children, helping the roots grow in the right direction. Later, I realised that these bridges are not just useful, they are part of who we are.”

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A lifetime devoted to living bridges

Taught by his grandfather, War grew up learning the ancient practice of nurturing living root bridges, known locally as Jingkieng Jri. These natural bridges, made from the roots of Ficus elastica trees, can take decades to form and last up to 600 years. They are uniquely suited to Meghalaya’s heavy rainfall and humid climate.

Over the decades, War has carefully guided roots across rivers and ravines, strengthening and maintaining several living bridges around Siej village. He has also mentored younger villagers, passing on the knowledge needed to protect both the bridges and the surrounding ecosystem.

“These bridges take many years to become strong. If we do not care for them, we will lose something that cannot be replaced by concrete,” he said.

Reacting to the Padma Shri honour, War said the recognition felt humbling. “I never imagined that the work we do in our village would be recognised at the national level,” he said, adding that the award belongs to his entire community and ancestors who taught them to live in harmony with nature.

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The living root bridges, found mainly in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, attract visitors from across the world. India has submitted their cultural landscape for UNESCO recognition, and it is currently on UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage list, with evaluation expected in 2026–27.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have both visited Siej before, praising the community’s indigenous ecological wisdom.

CM shared a post on X (formerly Twitter), "Heartiest congratulations to Bah Hally War of Siej Village, East Khasi Hills, on being conferred the Padma Award 2026. For decades, he has dedicated his life to nurturing and building living root bridges, becoming a true ambassador of our heritage, traditions, and sustainable living."

For War, the Padma Shri is not just an award-it is proof that a way of life rooted in patience and respect for nature still matters in today’s world.