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Eminent historian Prof. David R. Syiemlieh has been selected for the Padma Shri award in 2025 for his outstanding contribution in the field of literature and education.
Born on January 22, 1953, in Mutrapore, Sibsagar, Assam, Prof. Syiemlieh’s life has been a remarkable blend of scholarship and leadership. After graduating in History from St. Edmund’s College, Shillong, he went on to earn his M.Phil and Ph.D from North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU). His teaching career began at St. Edmund’s College, before moving to NEHU, where he served in several key academic and administrative roles.
In 2011, he was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh. The following year, he became a Member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and, in 2017, rose to the top as its Chairman.
A prolific author, Prof. Syiemlieh’s works include British Administration in Meghalaya, Survey of Research in History on North East India, and Layers of History: Essays on the Khasi-Jaintias. He also led the research and publication of Meghalaya at Fifty 1972–2022.
His historical research has unearthed fascinating facts — he discovered the date of death and last days of Khasi freedom fighter Tirot Sing and located the grave in Kolkata of Thomas Jones, the Welsh missionary who first arrived in the Khasi Hills.
Over the years, he has earned prestigious fellowships, including the Fulbright Fellowship (USA), Charles Wallace Grant (UK), and the Indo-France Cultural Exchange Grant. He has also held leadership positions in various academic bodies and now serves as Adviser to the Meghalaya State Education Commission.The Padma Awards — among India’s highest civilian honours — are presented in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of high order), and Padma Shri (distinguished service in any field). The awards are announced every Republic Day and conferred by the President of India at a ceremonial function in Rashtrapati Bhawan, usually around March–April.
From a small town in Assam to the halls of India’s top institutions — and now a Padma Shri — Prof. Syiemlieh’s journey is a testament to how passion, dedication, and relentless curiosity can shape history itself.
