Shillong. Jan 25:Hally War (67) from Siej village of Sohra, East Khadi Hills, was awarded Padma Shri on the eve of Republic Day on Sunday for crafting the living root bridges.
The recognition for War is under the category of social work for making and keeping up the living root bridge-making tradition.
When the news came, War and family were in Kongthong village.
“We got a message from Doordarshan about the recognition while we were in Kongthong”, War’s son Mac Donald Khyllep said on the phone from Kongthong.
‘We are happy for the recognition, and my father has been engaging in crafting the living root bridges in the village for the last 50 years”, Khyllep said.
During the second cabinet retreat in Sohra in 2005, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had led a delegation to Siej, where War explained about the tradition.
The CM’s visit followed that of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to Siej during her tour to Sohra last year.
CM’s response
The chief minister congratulated War on V 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”, he said.
“I fondly recall meeting Bah Hally in Siej during my trek to the living root bridges, where I learned that he began weaving these remarkable structures at the age of just ten. His profound knowledge, deep respect for nature, and unwavering community spirit make him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious honour. Congratulations, Bah Hally!, the CM said.
Main photo caption: Hally War in Kongthong vilage
