Helen Giri Syiem | |
Birth Place: | Meghalaya, India |
Occupation: | Musicologist Historian |
Known For: | Khasi music |
Awards: | Padma Shri |
Helen Giri Syiem is an Indian musicologist and historian, known for her efforts in promoting Khasi music tradition.[1] A former member of faculty at the North Eastern Hill University, she is a member of the executive council of the Sangeet Natak Akademi.[2]
She is known to have contributed in the restoration of traditional Khasi musical instruments and has instituted a scholarship fund at the Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong for the promotion of Khasi music.[3]
She assisted in the establishment of 35 traditional music institutes and has organized music festivals, besides working for the rehabilitation of physically disabled children.[1]
Her book, Khasi Under British Rule, 1824-1947, is a historical narrative of Khasi life during the pre-independence period.[4]
The Government of India awarded her the fourth highest civilian honour of the Padma Shri in 2008, for her contributions to Khasi music.[5]