By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 9: 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 the Northeast.
The university’s academic fraternity, former students, scholars and admirers had gathered to pay tribute to the towering academic and administrative luminary at the felicitation programme.
In her address, NEHU Vice Chancellor in-charge Prof SM Sungoh highlighted Prof Syiemlieh’s multifaceted contributions to the university where he served in numerous 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 has not only illuminated the corridors of academia but has also brought immense pride to the people of Meghalaya and the Northeast,” she said.
Prof Syiemlieh expressed 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 UPSC, he spoke about the values he upheld, particularly his commitment to inclusivity and recognition of support staff.
During his tenure in the UPSC, he used to invite peons, stenographers and secretaries to share tea in the hallowed interview chambers on the Christmas Eve—a gesture fondly remembered by many to this day.
Prof Syiemlieh credited his Padma Shri recognition to NEHU, where his career as a teacher, guide and administrator flourished.
He acknowledged his research scholars, many of whom, including Prof Shobhan Lamare, went on to become leading academics.
He remembered four of his mentors and colleagues—Prof JB Bhattacharjee, Prof Imdad Hussein, Prof Milton Sangma, and Prof JB Singh whose support and camaraderie he deeply cherished. He concluded by sharing that even during his tenure in the UPSC, his passion for history never waned, as evidenced by his publication of three books.
Prof Shobhan N Lamare, Head, Department of History and a former student of Prof Syiemlieh, offered a touching recollection of his student days.
He described his mentor as “a vast ocean of knowledge” whose humility left a deep impression on all who knew him. Prof Lamare shared fond memories of Christmas gatherings organized by Prof Syiemlieh and his habit of shopping personally at lewduh where his rapport with local shopkeepers remains legendary.
Prof Nirmalendu Saha, the senior-most professor at NEHU, described the conferral of the Padma Shri to Prof Syiemlieh as “a long-awaited and richly-deserved recognition.”
He hailed Prof Syiemlieh as a scholar who took the voice, values, and vision of the Northeast to national and international platforms.
