Shillong, July 8: What began as a dream in the picturesque village of Kynshi in Eastern West Khasi Hills has now become a moment of immense pride for Meghalaya and the nation. Kitkupar Nongsiej, the winner of Ka Sur Kynud Season 3, Meghalaya’s premier singing competition organized by the Don Bosco Media Network (DBMN), is set to represent India at the prestigious World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2026 in Las Vegas, USA, from July 13 to 21, 2026.
To celebrate this significant milestone, the Don Bosco Youth Centre (DBYC), Laitumkhrah, in collaboration with the Don Bosco Media Network & TV, organized a simple yet deeply meaningful Prayer Service and Send-off Ceremony on the evening of July 8 at the dbmnTv Main Studio, bringing together Church leaders, family members, media personnel, friends, and well-wishers to pray for God’s blessings upon the young singer as he embarks on one of the biggest journeys of his life.
The programme was presided over by Rev. Fr. Michael Makri, SDB, Director of Don Bosco Youth Centre and Managing Director of Don Bosco Media Network, while the Shillong Salesian Provincial, Rev. Fr. John Zosiama, SDB, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Led by Rev. Fr. Ritonbor Kharkongor the Assistant Director of Don Bosco Youth Centre, the gathering commenced with a prayer service seeking God’s protection, guidance, wisdom, confidence, good health, safe travels, and success for Kitkupar as he prepares to compete against some of the world’s finest young performers. The service included Scripture reading and a message of encouragement delivered by Rev. Fr. John Zosiamma sdb and Rev. Pastor A. I. Kharshiing, who reminded the gathering that true success is achieved when talent is combined with humility, perseverance, faith, and a spirit of service.
Present on the occasion were Kitkupar’s parents, brothers and sisters, relatives, members of the Don Bosco Media fraternity, media professionals, and numerous admirers who came together to offer their prayers and best wishes.
Kitkupar is scheduled to leave Shillong on July 10, accompanied by his father, Aibari Kupar Syiemlieh, before travelling to Las Vegas to participate in the international championship. Although he was originally expected to travel to the United States last year, the competition was postponed because of global geopolitical developments, delaying—but never diminishing—his dream. Throughout the period of uncertainty, Kitkupar continued to refine his craft, patiently preparing himself for the opportunity that now lies ahead.
His journey to the international stage is an inspiring story of determination, discipline, and excellence.
A native of Kynshi, Eastern West Khasi Hills, Kitkupar first captured the hearts of audiences across Meghalaya with his soulful voice and exceptional stage presence. His breakthrough came when he emerged as the champion of Ka Sur Kynud Season 3, receiving the coveted title and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, presented by R. M. Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, during the grand finale.
Even before that remarkable achievement, Kitkupar had already established himself as one of Meghalaya’s promising young vocalists by winning Sur Kynud Niam Season 2, earning the first prize of ₹35,000.
His musical excellence soon earned him a place in the internationally acclaimed Shillong Chamber Choir, giving him opportunities to further develop his artistry and perform at higher levels. In 2025, he also participated in an International Exposure Programme in Indonesia, sponsored by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, broadening his international experience and cultural outlook.
Beyond contemporary music, Kitkupar has consistently promoted the rich cultural heritage of Meghalaya through his performances of traditional Khasi folk songs, several of which have been featured on Doordarshan Meghalaya. His ability to blend cultural authenticity with musical excellence has made him an inspiring role model for aspiring artists throughout the region.
His qualification for the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2026 came after successfully clearing a rigorous international online audition process, officially earning him a place in Team India. The championship, often referred to as the “Olympics of Performing Arts,” attracts talented singers, dancers, musicians, actors, and performers from more than sixty countries around the world.
Kitkupar’s participation at WCOPA is not only a personal achievement but also the fulfillment of a vision nurtured by the Don Bosco Media Network.
From the very inception of Ka Sur Kynud, Don Bosco Media Network envisioned the competition as more than a singing contest. It was created as a platform to discover, nurture, mentor, and elevate talented young artists from Meghalaya onto national and international stages. One of the organization’s key commitments was that the winner of the competition would be provided with an opportunity to participate in a prestigious international performing arts competition.
That promise has consistently been honoured.
The first champion of Ka Sur Kynud, Chevinia Lyngdoh Mawnai, was sponsored by Don Bosco Media Network to represent India at the internationally acclaimed UK Vocal Star competition in the United Kingdom. She created history by winning the prestigious international title, proving that young talents from Meghalaya can successfully compete with the best performers in the world.
Inspired by that remarkable success, Don Bosco Media Network continued its commitment to providing global exposure to deserving artists. Today, Kitkupar Nongsiej proudly carries forward that legacy as the second Ka Sur Kynud champion to represent India on an international stage.
Speaking during the send-off ceremony, Rev. Fr. Michael Makri said that Kitkupar’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved when talent is nurtured with commitment, discipline, and opportunity.
“Our mission has always been to discover hidden talents and provide them with opportunities that many young people only dream about. We believe that talent from Meghalaya deserves international recognition. After Chevinia’s remarkable success in the United Kingdom, we are delighted that Kitkupar will now represent India at WCOPA in Las Vegas. We are confident that he will carry with him not only his exceptional musical ability but also the rich cultural heritage and values of our State and our country.”
He further described Kitkupar as an outstanding ambassador of Don Bosco Media Network whose humility, dedication, and perseverance embody the values that the organization seeks to instill in every young person.
As prayers concluded and blessings were bestowed upon the young artist, emotions ran high among family members and supporters. The gathering united in prayer, asking God to grant Kitkupar wisdom, courage, good health, safe travels, confidence, and success as he proudly represents Meghalaya, India, and the Don Bosco family before the global community.
For Meghalaya, Kitkupar’s journey is more than the success of one individual. It is a powerful reminder that dreams nurtured in small villages can resonate on the world’s biggest stages when supported by faith, perseverance, and institutions committed to empowering young people.
From the serene hills of Kynshi to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, Kitkupar Nongsiej now carries with him the hopes and prayers of an entire State. His remarkable journey stands as yet another success story of how Don Bosco Media Network continues to transform young lives, proving that local talent, when given the right platform and opportunity, can truly shine before the world.
Reported by INS Correspondent
