Farmer Hally War: An unsung guardian of indigenous knowledge

Shillong, Jan 25: Farmer Hally War, who is the recipient of this year’s Padma Shri, is an unsung guardian of indigenous knowledge,

Healing from the remote Siej village, Sohra, War was recognised for environmental conservation, particularly in the field of afforestation and preservation of indigenous practices.

According to a statement by Public Information Bureau, 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.

Farmer by profession 

A farmer by profession, 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, 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, the statement said.

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, communityand nature.

A farmer by profession, Shri 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, Shri 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.

Other North East awardees 

Assam: Haricharan Saikia (Art)

Jogesh Deuri (Agriculture)

Kabindra Purkayastha (Posthumous) for public affairs.

Nuruddin Ahmed  (Art)

Pokhila Lekthepi (Art)

Tripura:

Naresh Chandra Dev Varma( Literature & Education)

Nagaland:

Sangyusang S Pongener (Art)

Manipur: Yumnam Jatra Singh (Posthumous) for art