Felicitation Prof. David R. Syiemlieh our Ex-Honorary Director for Conferment of Padma Shri Award

The ICSSR-NERC in collaboration with the Department of History, NEHU organized a special felicitation ceremony for Prof. David. R. Syiemlieh on being conferred the prestigious “Padma Shri Award” by the Government of India in 2025. The programme was held at the ICSSR-NERC Conference Hall at 11:30 AM on the 25^th of November, 2025 in the august presence of the Pro Vice Chancellor of NEHU, Prof. S. Umdor, Honorary Director of the ICSSR-NERC, Prof. Bhagirathi Panda and Head of the Department of History, NEHU, Prof.S.N Lamare. The event also saw a wide attendance from esteemed Faculty and Officers of NEHU, Special Invitees, Research Scholars and Staff of the ICSSR-NERC, Shillong.

Prof. David R. Syiemlieh an avid Indian historian, academician and former civil service administrator was the Honorary Director of the ICSSR-NERC, Shillong during the period 2002 to 2004. He was also the Council Member of the Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi. During his exceptional service, he also served as the Pro- Vice Chancellor of North Eastern Hill University during 2010 to 2011.He was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar on September 2011. He also served as the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and was awarded the “Padma Shri Award” in 2025 by the Government of India for his contributions to literature and education. Prof Syiemlieh’s contribution to academics and administration is nothing short of exemplary but he will forever be lauded for his virtues of integrity, humility and compassion, something we can only hope to emulate.