Shillong, May 10: The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) on Friday felicitated Padma Shri Prof. David R. Syiemlieh, an esteemed son of the soil and one of the most distinguished historians of Northeast India.
The programme witnessed the participation of the University’s academic fraternity, former students, scholars, and admirers who gathered to pay tribute to a towering academic and administrative luminary.
Prof. S. M. Sungoh, Vice-Chancellor In-Charge, NEHU, highlighted Prof. Syiemlieh’s multifaceted contributions to the University where he served in numerous key positions, including Dean of Students’ Welfare, Controller of Examinations, Registrar, and Pro Vice-Chancellor. She remarked that his achievements are a reflection not only of personal excellence but also of the power of humility, knowledge, and service. “Your life’s work,” she said, “has not only illuminated the corridors of academia but has also brought immense pride to the people of Meghalaya and the Northeast.”
In his address, Padma Shri Prof. David R. Syiemlieh expressed his deep gratitude to the institutions that shaped his journey—Dr. Graham’s Home, Kalimpong; St. Edmund’s College, Shillong; and NEHU. Reflecting on his days in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), he spoke of the values he upheld, particularly his commitment to inclusivity and recognition of support staff. A cherished tradition he began during his UPSC tenure was inviting peons, stenographers, and secretaries to share tea in the hallowed interview chambers on Christmas Eve—a gesture fondly remembered by many to this day.
Prof. Syiemlieh credited his Padma Shri recognition in large part to NEHU, where his career as a teacher, guide, and administrator flourished. He acknowledged his research scholars, many of whom have grown into leading academics—including Prof. Shobhan Lamare—and expressed his pride in their achievements. With humility, he remembered four of his mentors and colleagues—Prof. J. B. Bhattacharjee, Prof. Imdad Hussein, Prof. Milton Sangma, and Prof. J. B. Singh—whose support and camaraderie he deeply cherished. He concluded by sharing that even during his high administrative tenure at UPSC, his passion for history never waned, as evidenced by his publication of three books during his time in office.
The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Prof. S. Umdor, who expressed the collective pride of NEHU in Prof. Syiemlieh’s achievements and wished him continued success in his scholarly pursuits.
