Shillong, Jan 6: As the State and the nation comes to terms with the shocking news of the demise of Neil Nongkynrih – founder, mentor and conductor of Shillong Chamber Choir (SCC), people from across the nation are sending in their condolences for the well known personality including prominent leaders.
Nongkynrih died at a hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday evening due to health complications. He was 51 years old.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was amongst the leaders who mourned the death of Nongkynrih. 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.”
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 K Sangma tweeted, “I am saddened beyond words by the sudden demise of Padma Shri Neil Nongkynrih…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
Governor Satya Pal Malik said he was deeply saddened by the news of death of the son of Meghalaya. “May his soul rest in peace! I convey my deepest condolences to his family and friends,” he said.
Deeply saddened by the news of passing away of the son of Meghalaya, the noted music composer Neil Nongkynrih, founder of Shillong Chamber Choir.
May his soul rest in peace.
I convey my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/L7qNP6OkJl— Satyapal Malik (@SatyapalMalik6) January 5, 2022
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also mourned Nongkynrih’s demise. He tweeted: “…Under his leadership, the Choir rose to great heights winning fame not only for Meghalaya but entire Northeast. May his soul rest in peace!”
Deeply saddened by the news of demise of Neil Nongkynrih, the founder of Shillong Chamber Choir, in Mumbai this evening.
Under his leadership, the Choir rose to great heights winning fame not only for Meghalaya but entire North East.
May his soul rest in peace!@Shillong_SCC pic.twitter.com/mdhLYgtcUx
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 5, 2022
Nagaland CM, Neiphiu Rio wrote: “I am saddened and shocked to learn about the sudden demise of Neil Nongkynrih, founder and mentor of the renowned Shillong Chamber Choir which excels in multi-genre music. The country & the NE region in particular have lost a musician par excellence. Condolences to his loved ones.”
I am saddened and shocked to learn about the sudden demise of Neil Nongkynrih, founder and mentor of the renowned Shillong Chamber Choir which excels in multi-genre music. The country & the NE region in particular have lost a musician par excellence. Condolences to his loved ones
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) January 5, 2022
In 2010, Neil led the Shillong Chamber Choir to win India’s Got Talent, catapulting the little Shillong unit to national and international stardom. The same year, they performed for former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama during their India visit. In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
