By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 31: Season 3 of Sur Kynud came to a grand end with Kitkupar Nongsiej becoming the winner of the singing competition, taking home a prize money of Rs 1 lakh.
Organised by Don Bosco Media Network and TV at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, the Grand Finale of the competition saw seven contestants vying for the honour.
Kitkupar Nongsiej was adjudged the best singer and the winner. He received the prize from Rev Fr Jeevan Lakra, Vice Provincial of the Salesian Society and East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah, who was the chief guest of the occasion.
The grand finale had in attendance a galaxy of important personalities including Padma Shri Patricia Mukhim.
Mario Pathaw, a PhD scholar in the Department of Design, IIT Guwahati, whose areas of expertise are communication design, architecture, illustrations, comics and graphic design, and who works mostly in the field of indigenous art and design of the Khasi-Jaintia people, was conferred the ‘Youth Icon Award’, presented by the Don Bosco Media Network and TV for his exemplary contribution to the society. Rev Fr Babu Stephen received the ‘Cilia Memorial Award’ instituted in memory of the founder of Don Bosco Youth Centre, Rev Fr Cilia.
Welcoming the guests, Fr Ritonbor Kharkongor offered opening prayers invoking God’s blessings on the event.
Other contestants — Baphi Lyngdoh, Baphinrihun Mukhim, Rishannylla Hujoon, Reizel Dohling, Gwyneth Mawthoh and Nestle R Syiemlieh — were each awarded certificates and mementoes.
Addressing the gathering, comprising mainly youths and contestants’ parents, Deputy Commissioner Kurbah lauded the Salesians of Don Bosco for their commitment to engage youth in positive activities and to hone their skills. She congratulated the trainers for enabling the youth to bring out the best version of their voices. “In my college days I used to frequent the Don Bosco Youth Centre and feel at home being here to witness the singing competition. Meghalaya’s population comprises 70% of youth and if they are not given an opportunity to find their calling, they could drift towards negative activities,” the DC said, adding that youths should not give up at the first sign of failure and push hard to attain their cherished goals.
Earlier, the Salesian Vice Provincial, Fr Jeevan Lakra, while addressing the audience, said that Don Bosco believed that young people should invest in their singing talent and that music is what lightens the burdens of life.
Speaking about being tenacious in achieving their goals, Fr Lakra said young people should never give up. He was particularly addressing those who could not make it through the competition in the first and second seasons but continued to the third.
Director of Don Bosco Media Network & TV, Fr Michael Makri and his team of organisers delivered the vote of thanks.
A Bible App designed for iPhones was released on the occasion.
