
Prof. David R. Syiemlieh the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian awardee addressing the staff and students at Assam Son Bosco University, Tapesia.
On May 10, 2025, the Assam Don Bosco University extended its heartfelt congratulations to Prof. David R. Syiemlieh on being conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Education and Literature.
Prof. Syiemlieh, a distinguished historian and academician, has been serving on the Board of Management of Assam Don Bosco University since 1 February 2020. In a special message delivered by the Vice Chancellor, Fr (Dr) Jose Palely SDB, in the presence of the Vice Provincial of Guwahati, Pro Vice Chancellor, Registrar, faculty, and students, the university honoured the scholarly achievements and service of the Padma Shri awardee.
A recipient of the Charles Wallace Grant (UK), the India-France Cultural Exchange Grant, and the prestigious Senior Fulbright Fellowship (USA), Prof. Syiemlieh has held key academic and administrative roles, including Chairman of the UPSC, President of the North East India History Association, Pro Vice Chancellor of NEHU, and Vice Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar.
Author of several books and scholarly articles, he is known for his significant contributions to the historiography of North East India. Among his notable achievements is the rediscovery of the final days and death of Tirot Sing, the Khasi freedom fighter, and the grave of Thomas Jones, the pioneering Welsh missionary to the Khasi Hills.




