Padma Pao wants to preserve Mising culture through music

Sikur Padma Pao, a 24-year-old from the indigenous Mising community, was always drawn to music. A native of Gergeri village in Dhemaji district of Assam, he pursued music with an unparalleled passion.

However, it was a tourism fellowship that made him see his heritage from a new perspective. Now he is on a mission to preserve the Mising culture through songs.

An early beginning

Pao’s musical journey began when he was in class X. He got to know about a teacher who taught classical music in Dhemaji town. He attended the classes secretly. Though he could study music only for two months due to his matriculation exams and family disapproval, Pao remained involved in musical activities at school.

In The Dynamics band, Pao is the lead singer as well as the guitarist.

After completing class XII in 2019, he went to Guwahati because he felt that there was no scope to pursue music in Dhemaji. His decision led to heated family discussions. Eventually, they allowed him to pursue his passion, with a peremptory warning: “Do what you want, but don’t blame us later.”

Despite starting a bachelor’s course in science, he quit after the first year to pursue music – his true passion. “Why waste time studying something I’m not interested in?” he reflected.

Stepping into the musical world

In Guwahati, Pao faced the harsh realities of living independently. He stayed with a friend pursuing medicine and took on various odd jobs, including waiting tables at a bar.

His breakthrough came when he was given a chance to perform at the bar. His talent was obvious and soon he became a regular performer.

At the bar, Pao met Mivo Vinom, a fellow Mising artist. Vinom recognised Pao’s potential and took him under his wing. He offered Pao a place to stay and taught him the intricacies of music, songwriting and band dynamics.

Read the full story here ?? https://www.villagesquare.in/padma-pao-wants-to-preserve-mising-culture-through-music/