USTM Honours Hally War, Prasad Agnihotri
USTM honours Padma Shri awardee Hally War and social activist Prasad Agnihotri for their outstanding contributions to community service and social welfare.
MEGHALAYA: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) honoured two prominent social workers—Hally War and Prasad Agnihotri—with the Social Work Excellence Award during the observance of World Social Work Day 2026.
The award was presented by Mahbubul Hoque in the presence of Garima Kalita during a programme organised by the Department of Social Work.
The event was held under the global theme “Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society.”
Padma Shri awardee Hally War was recognised for his decades-long dedication to grassroots development, environmental conservation and community service in Meghalaya. A Khasi farmer and environmentalist, War has played a key role in protecting the region’s famous living root bridges, natural structures formed from the roots of rubber trees that have become both ecological and cultural symbols of the state.
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His sustained efforts to preserve this unique form of traditional ecological knowledge earned him the Padma Shri in 2026, one of India’s highest civilian honours. Those associated with his work describe him as both a guardian of the environment and a mentor who has encouraged communities to maintain harmony between nature and livelihoods.
The Social Work Excellence Award was also conferred on Prasad Agnihotri, chairperson of Sanvedena Rugnseva Samiti, for his longstanding commitment to healthcare support and social welfare activities.
Agnihotri has worked extensively to assist underprivileged patients and their families, helping them access medical care and navigate treatment processes. His work, largely supported by community participation, has provided relief to many individuals facing financial and logistical challenges in accessing healthcare.
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Speaking after receiving the honour, the awardees encouraged students to pursue social work with empathy and dedication. They emphasised that meaningful social change begins with understanding people’s lived experiences and working collaboratively with communities.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp followed by a welcome address. Delivering the keynote speech, Pradeep Ramavath spoke about the growing importance of professional social work in addressing inequality, strengthening community engagement, and building inclusive societies.
Observed annually across the world, World Social Work Day highlights the contributions of social workers and promotes the values of solidarity, dignity and social justice. At USTM, the event served both as a recognition of grassroots changemakers and an inspiration for students pursuing careers in social work.
