Neil Nongkynrih death
Shillong Chamber Choir's founder Neil Nongkynrih passes away at 51
New Delhi/IBNS: Shillong Chamber Choir founder and noted musician Neil Nongkynrih died at a hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday after a brief illness, Choir officials informed. He was 51.
"It is with deep sorrow that we, the members and management of the Shillong Chamber Choir, announce the death of our beloved founder and music director, Mr Neil Nongkynrih," the Choir said in a statement available with the media.
"Uncle Neil was the life force of our world, a towering personality whose music, through the choir he so fondly nurtured, reached the ears of Presidents, Prime Ministers, Ambassadors, and some of the biggest names in the worlds of sports, culture, business, music, and film," it said.
"In 2010, he led his choir to win India's Got Talent, catapulting the little Shillong unit to national and international stardom. In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award," it added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in mourning Neil Nongkynrih's demise.
"Mr. Neil Nongkynrih was an outstanding mentor to the Shillong Chamber Choir, which enthralled audiences globally. I have also witnessed some of their superb performances. He left us too soon. His creativity will always be remembered. Condolences to his family and admirers. RIP," PM Modi tweeted.
Mr. Neil Nongkynrih was an outstanding mentor to the Shillong Chamber Choir, which enthralled audiences globally. I have also witnessed some of their superb performances. He left us too soon. His creativity will always be remembered. Condolences to his family and admirers. RIP.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 5, 2022
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma tweeted: "I am saddened beyond words by the sudden demise of Padma Shri Neil Nongkynrih, founder of the famous Shillong Chamber Choir. He was a mentor to the country's finest choir that serenaded crowds wherever they performed. We have lost a gem today."
I am saddened beyond words by the sudden demise of Padma Shri Neil Nongkynrih, founder of the famous Shillong Chamber Choir. He was a mentor to the country’s finest choir that serenaded crowds wherever they performed. We have lost a gem today. pic.twitter.com/MiFsJ23Xzm
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) January 5, 2022
Mourning his death, Trinamool Congress' Meghalaya unit wrote on Twitter: "With a heavy heart we mourn the loss of one of the legends of Meghalaya, Shri Neil Nongkynrih. His music had the power to bring joy in the darkest times. His contribution in field of music is unparalleled. He lives on with the Shillong Chamber Choir."
Nongkynrih was awarded Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of India in 2015.
Nongkynrih has worked on a wide variety of musical genres ranging from Western and Indian Classical music to Bollywood and pop medleys. He rose to fame after his choir, The Shillong Chamber Choir won the Indian television reality show India’s Got Talent in 2010.
Since then, Nongkynrih and his team have never looked back and have gradually increased in terms of repertoire and recognition.
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