Shillong: Journalists from Uttar Pradesh, on a Press Tour organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India, visited Siej village in East Khasi Hills and interacted with Padma Shri awardee Shri Hally War, who guided them to the Umkhar Living Root Bridge.
During the visit, Shri War explained how the aerial roots of the rubber fig tree (Ficus elastica) are carefully guided and nurtured over several years to form functional bridges across streams and difficult terrain. He also shared how he learnt the traditional practice from his father and grandfather and has devoted several decades to preserving and passing on this indigenous knowledge.
Walking with Shri War to Umkhar, the journalists observed the living root bridge and experienced the surrounding natural landscape of Siej. They expressed appreciation for the opportunity to witness the traditional practice in its natural setting and said the interaction gave them a better understanding of the close relationship between Khasi communities, their environment and indigenous knowledge.
The journalists also appreciated the ingenuity and sustainability of the living root bridge tradition, noting that the structures reflect the community’s long-standing knowledge of working with the natural environment. They thanked Shri War for sharing his knowledge and personal journey and felicitated him in recognition of his decades-long efforts to preserve the traditional practice. They also congratulated him on being conferred the Padma Shri in 2026.
Representatives of the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Meghalaya, accompanied the media delegation during the visit.
The visit formed part of the PIB Press Tour aimed at providing journalists with first-hand exposure to Meghalaya’s cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge, environment and community-based tourism initiatives.
