Shillong, July 25: Kitkupar Nongsiej, who won accolades at the World Championships of Performing Arts (Copa) 2026 held in Las Vegas, US, was facilitated on Saturday (July 25).
Many well-wishers gathered at Khyndai Lad (Police Bazaar) to accord a public reception to Nongsiej following his remarkable performance.
The reception, jointly organised by the Government of Meghalaya through the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs in collaboration with Don Bosco Media Network Television (DBMN TV), was held , celebrating Kitkupar’s outstanding achievement in bringing international recognition to Meghalaya and India.
Earlier in the day, Kitkupar received an emotional welcome at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, where he was received by his family members, supporters from his native village of Kynshi, and the team of Don Bosco Media Network Television. Upon reaching Mawlai ISBT, the Government of Meghalaya accorded him an official reception and provided an escort that accompanied him to Khyndai Lad, where an enthusiastic crowd of admirers, media personnel, and well-wishers awaited his arrival.
The felicitation programme commenced with a welcome by Fr. Michael Makri, SDB, Managing Director of Don Bosco Media Network Television. In his address, Fr. Makri welcomed the Chief Guest, Shri Paia War Nongbri, Acting Director of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, along with distinguished guests, members of the media, Kitkupar’s parents, supporters from Kynshi, and the large gathering of admirers who had assembled to celebrate the young champion.
Adding a memorable cultural touch to the occasion, renowned young singer Chevinia Lyngdoh Mawnai, winner of Sur Kynud Season 1 and an international vocal competition champion, presented a moving rendition of her self-composed original Khasi song, “Kum u Khlur” (Like a Star), dedicating the performance to Kitkupar in recognition of his inspiring journey and achievements.
Addressing the gathering, Paia War Nongbri congratulated Kitkupar on behalf of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs and the Government of Meghalaya. He described the young singer as a true role model for the youth of the state, whose dedication, perseverance, and talent have brought immense pride to Meghalaya. He further acknowledged the visionary efforts of Don Bosco Media Network Television and Fr. Michael Makri in creating platforms that nurture and promote the artistic talents of young people across the region. He also expressed appreciation to Kitkupar’s parents and the people of Kynshi village for their unwavering encouragement and support throughout his journey.
The audience was further enthralled by a captivating performance from Shellevah N. Jyrwa, winner of Sur Kynud Season 4, who performed the inspiring cover song “Sha Ki Khlur”, symbolically celebrating dreams, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.
In his address, Kitkupar expressed gratitude to the Government of Meghalaya, especially Chief Ministeri Conrad K. Sangma, for extending financial and moral support that enabled him to represent India at the World Championships of Performing Arts in the United States. He also thanked the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, his parents, family members, supporters from Kynshi, friends, admirers, and the countless well-wishers whose prayers and encouragement accompanied him throughout his journey.
Reflecting on his rise from a local singing competition to the international stage, Kitkupar acknowledged the pivotal role played by Don Bosco Media Network Television, stating that his journey to global recognition began after winning Sur Kynud Season 3, where he was given the opportunity, exposure, and continuous guidance that transformed his dream into reality.
Proposing the vote of thanks, Fr. Michael Makri expressed appreciation to the Government of Meghalaya, the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, the media fraternity, volunteers, supporters, and everyone who contributed to making the public reception a memorable celebration of Meghalaya’s emerging talent. He reaffirmed DBMN TV’s commitment to discovering and promoting young artists from the region and announced that Shellevah N. Jyrwa, the winner of Sur Kynud Season 4, has officially registered to audition for Britain’s Got Talent. Subject to successfully clearing the auditions, she is expected to travel to the United Kingdom in October 2026, marking another milestone in Don Bosco Media Network’s mission of taking the talents of Northeast India to the global stage.
