A very few music icons in India possess the unique fan following that Papon commands. Paponists (fans of Papon call themselves Paponists) mostly in Assam and across India gather every year on the singer-composer-songwriter’s birthday every year to work towards humanitarian causes.
One of the country’s most multifaceted artists witnessed an inspiring 45th birthday with his fans at All Assam Paponists volunteering for charitable work. The volunteers brought in the celebrations of Papon’s special day by engaging in various social activities across the state and all over the country.
Some of these include donating food and warm clothes in Sukrehwar Mandir, Guwahati-club Maszid, Pan Bazar Church and Fancy Bazar Gurudwara in Guwahati, distributing food, mosquito nets and clothes in Morigaon Gramya Puthibhoral Sanstha through The Morigaon Paponist. The Pub-Kamrup Paponists organised cleanliness drive and plantation drives in Agdola Chariali High School, Pub-Kamrup College and Baihata Chariali Primary Health Centre.
Touched at this one-of-a-kind birthday celebration, Papon says, “This is a very different celebration from what most people are used to. I’m speechless and touched. It is extremely overwhelming to be loved so completely. God bless all the fans who are doing such good work for the people of the country.”
The singer-composer-songwriter has many Assamese hits such as Mathu Tumi, Khuje Khuje Jibon, Xuoroni Kuwoli, Bauli Mur Priya, Pakhi Pakhi Mon and Nilaanjana among others to his credit. Papon furthers the cause of music with a sense of purpose he inherited from his parents Khagen Mahanta and Archana Mahanta.
The former was an iconic singer-music composer of Assamese folk music and known as the “King of Bihu”. Papon’s mother was one of the most recognised and respected female voices of the North East region. As a renowned duo, Papon’s parents have received the state’s highest honours for their contribution to Assamese music.
