Shyamkanu Mahanta Biography: Family, Age, Wife, Net Worth

Who is Shyamkanu Mahanta? Shyamkanu Mahanta is a well-known cultural entrepreneur, infrastructure advisor, and the Chief Organiser of the Northeast Festival. Born in Assam, he has dedicated his career to promoting the culture, talent, and traditions of Northeast India. Popularly nicknamed “Festival Mahanta”, he is the driving force behind two iconic events: the Northeast Festival and Rongali. These platforms have provided opportunities for local artisans, musicians, entrepreneurs, and performers to showcase their creativity to a wider audience.

Apart from being a festival promoter, Shyamkanu is also an engineer and MBA graduate, with over 16 years of experience in project finance and infrastructure management. After a successful corporate career across India, he founded MMS Advisory, a project management company that employs more than 200 professionals. He has also been associated with hydropower projects, energy companies, and corporate leadership roles, including serving as the Assistant Vice President of IL&FS.

Shyamkanu Mahanta Biography

Age and Date of Birth

Shyamkanu Mahanta was born on March 1, 1972, in Sivasagar, Assam. As of 2025, he is 53 years old.

Family Background

Shyamkanu Mahanta comes from a highly respected Assamese family. His father, Mr. Lila Mahanta, was the former president of the Assam Sattras Mahasabha, while his mother, Mrs. Nirupama Mahanta, is a Sattriya exponent and writer.

He is the younger brother of Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, the Vice-Chancellor of Gauhati University. His other siblings include Bhawkar Jyoti Mahanta and Dr. Saumar Jyoti Mahanta, both of whom are well-recognized in their respective fields.

Wife

Shyamkanu Mahanta is married to Anita Deka Mahanta, who has been a supportive partner in his personal and professional journey.

Education Qualification

He holds degrees in Engineering and MBA. His technical background and management expertise have allowed him to work across India in the fields of infrastructure project finance and implementation before he shifted toward entrepreneurship and cultural promotion.

Brothers

Shyamkanu Mahanta has three brothers:

• Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta – Vice-Chancellor of Gauhati University.

• Bhawkar Jyoti Mahanta – His younger brother.

• Dr. Saumar Jyoti Mahanta – The youngest brother.

Net Worth

While his work has largely been community-driven, Shyamkanu Mahanta has also built his career through advisory roles, company leadership, and cultural entrepreneurship. His estimated net worth is around $11,000 USD.

Career and Contributions

• Worked over 16 years in project finance and infrastructure management across India.

• Founded MMS Advisory, a project management company with 200 professionals.

• Served in leadership positions including Managing Director, Chief Executive, and Chief Functionary in hydropower projects.

• Promoter of Patkai Energy Company Ltd and former Assistant Vice President at IL&FS.

• Chief organiser of Northeast Festival (launched in 2013, Delhi) and Rongali Festival in Assam.

The Northeast Festival became a massive platform celebrating:

• Music and dance performances.

• Art, photography, and handicrafts by local artisans.

• Tourism and business opportunities.

• Fashion shows highlighting northeastern culture.

Though his events faced controversies and government restrictions at times, his contribution to promoting Assam’s and Northeast India’s culture remains significant.

1. Who is Shyamkanu Mahanta?
He is a cultural entrepreneur, engineer, and MBA graduate best known as the Chief Organiser of the Northeast Festival and Rongali.

2. When was Shyamkanu Mahanta born?
He was born on March 1, 1972, in Sivasagar, Assam.

3. How old is Shyamkanu Mahanta?
As of 2025, he is 53 years old.

4. Who is Shyamkanu Mahanta’s wife?
He is married to Anita Deka Mahanta.

5. What is Shyamkanu Mahanta’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at $11,000 USD.

6. What are Shyamkanu Mahanta’s qualifications?
He is an Engineer and MBA graduate, with a career background in project finance and infrastructure.

7. Who are Shyamkanu Mahanta’s brothers?
He has three brothers: Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Bhawkar Jyoti Mahanta, and Dr. Saumar Jyoti Mahanta.

8. What is Shyamkanu Mahanta’s contribution to culture?
He founded and promotes the Northeast Festival and Rongali, platforms that highlight the rich culture, talent, and tourism of Northeast India.

Conclusion

Shyamkanu Mahanta’s journey from an engineer and corporate leader to a festival promoter and cultural entrepreneur reflects his passion for both professional excellence and cultural preservation. His leadership in organizing the Northeast Festival has created opportunities for countless artists, entrepreneurs, and performers from Assam and beyond.

Despite facing challenges and controversies, his contributions to celebrating and showcasing the cultural wealth of Northeast India are undeniable. At 53, Shyamkanu Mahanta continues to be a respected voice in Assam’s cultural, entrepreneurial, and social circles.