January 5, 2022 - Shillongtoday

Shillong, Jan 5: Neil Nongkynrih, founder and music director of Shillong Chamber Choir passed away in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday. He was 51.

PBO Warjri, brother-in-law of Nongkynrih, said, “Neil was unwell for quite some time. He had gone to Mumbai to record an album.”

The family is making arrangements to bring his mortal remains to Shillong.

Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma also condoled the death of Nongkynrih.

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.”

According to, Shillong Chamber Choir, “Uncle Neil”, as he was fondly known to all, said that he was the life force of their 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,” a statement from the Shillong Chamber Choir said.

Drawing from the music of his land and his own vast experience in the Western classical tradition, he gave classic Indian film music a new touch, with his deft arrangements bringing delight to millions of listeners in India.

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.

Shillong, Jan 5: Meghalaya Director of Health Services (DHS), Dr. Aman War on Wednesday informed that the State has so far recorded four Omicron cases since the fifth that of a minor boy from Assam has been transferred to that State.

Dr. War informed that the boy and his family entered Meghalaya on December 21 and were tested at the Umling entry point on the same day.

“But half way due to important work at home they returned back without reaching Shillong. They never stayed at Langkyrding since they went back even before reaching Shillong,” the DHS said.

He also informed that of the four Omicron cases, three have recovered.

Two of those who have recovered are from Saiden village of Ri-Bhoi district.

“In course of home isolation they have recovered and they are now doing normally,” Dr. War said.

According to him, the returnee from Qatar and a resident of ARC Happy Valley in Shillong has also recovered.

She came from Qatar tested positive on December 29 and her report (Omicron positive) was received yesterday. She was initially isolated at home but later she was shifted to a Corona Care Center and will be sent home tomorrow,” the DHS said.

Dr, War informed that at present there is one Omicron active case, that of a female in Laitumkhrah.