Man Grows Living Root Bridge Over 50 Years, Wins Padma Shri

When Hally War was 10 years old, he watched his neighbors risk their lives crossing a swollen river during monsoon season. Instead of waiting for someone to build a bridge, he decided to grow one himself.

Guided by his grandfather's teachings, young Hally began weaving the aerial roots of a rubber fig tree into what the Khasi tribe calls a jingkieng jri, or living root bridge. Using bamboo and wooden supports, he carefully trained the pliable roots to grow exactly where he needed them, following techniques passed down through generations of oral storytelling.

The most valuable lesson his grandfather taught him wasn't about technique. It was about patience. Hally understood from the beginning that this bridge would take decades to mature and would likely outlive him by centuries.

Year after year, the roots grew thicker and stronger. As they intertwined and fused together, they created a structure more durable than concrete or steel. Some living root bridges in Meghalaya are believed to be over 500 years old, and they only get stronger with time as long as the trees remain alive.

Today, Hally's bridge in Siej village stands as a testament to sustainable engineering and cultural wisdom. More than 10,000 visitors travel to see it each year, bringing economic opportunities to the remote community while showcasing the ingenious practices of the Khasi people.

The Ripple Effect

Hally War's lifelong dedication didn't just create a bridge. It helped preserve an endangered tradition and proved that indigenous knowledge holds solutions to modern problems. In 2022, Meghalaya's living root bridges earned a spot on UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List, recognizing their environmental and cultural significance.

Earlier this year, Hally received the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, for his role in protecting and promoting this ancient practice. His recognition brings global attention to sustainable building methods that work with nature instead of against it.

The bridge continues growing stronger each year, just as Hally knew it would when he started this journey 50 years ago as a determined boy with muddy hands and patient dreams.