Eminent historian Prof David R Syiemlieh has been selected to receive the Padma Shri award for 2025.
The recognition is in the field of literature and education.
Syiemlieh was the former chairman of the Union Public Service Commission of India.
As an accomplished author of several books and articles on the history of North East India, he is also credited with discovering the date of death and other details of the last days of the Khasi freedom fighter Tirot Sing and located the grave in Calcutta of Thomas Jones, the Welsh missionary who first arrived in the Khasi Hills.
Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The awards are given in various disciplines / fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.
‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field.
The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.
These awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March-April every year.
