Shillong, Apr 29: Prof David R Syiemlieh, a distinguished historian and academician from Meghalaya, has been conferred the Padma Shri award for his exceptional contributions to literature and education. The award was presented by President of India Droupadi Murmu during the Padma Awards 2025 ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The event was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other dignitaries.
Prof Syiemlieh is widely recognised for his research on colonial rule in Northeast India and for establishing the date of martyrdom of Meghalaya’s freedom fighter U Tirot Sing. His scholarly work has been instrumental in documenting the region’s historical and cultural heritage.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma congratulated Prof Syiemlieh, stating that the honour reflects a lifetime of dedication to knowledge and history. “His work continues to illuminate the rich history of Meghalaya and the region,” Sangma said.
Born in Mutrapore, Sibsagar, Assam on January 22, 1953, Prof Syiemlieh graduated in History from St. Edmund’s College, Shillong, and later earned his M.Phil and Ph.D from North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU). He taught at St. Edmund’s College and NEHU, where he served in key academic and administrative roles.
In 2011, he was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh. He later served as a Member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) from 2012 and became its Chairman in 2017.
His publications 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.
Prof Syiemlieh has received fellowships including the Fulbright Fellowship (USA), Charles Wallace Grant (UK), and Indo-France Cultural Exchange Grant. He has held leadership roles in various academic bodies and currently serves as Adviser to the Meghalaya State Education Commission.
