Tadi is an artist who believes being a creative person is tough in this world today, but there’s more to life than the pursuit of rent money. Creating art may not make you wealthy but it really can make you happy.

Here is the excerpt from the conversation with Roto Tadi:

Chow Bilaseng Namchoom (CBN): Tadi, Can you tell us a little about yourself and your work?

Roto Tadi (RT): Ever since my childhood I have been an imaginative artist and cartoonist, and my works have been consistently appreciated by many of my friends and relatives over the years. An incident in my life that occurred a couple of decades ago, however, proved to be a turning point in my career as an amateur artist. A private bus had met with a terrible accident at Daporijo in 1992 and had sunk into Subansiri river as the dilapidated bridge gave way to the full load of the bus. This spurred me to visualize the entire episode of the accident and translate it into art form, frame by frame. When my art work was displayed on the occasion of the Independence Day, it drew rave critical acclaim from the people of the district and the Deputy Commissioner of Daporijo was kind enough to acknowledge the same by awarding me for my work. There has been no looking back ever since, as it dawned on me that I have the aptitude and potential for developing my skill as an artist.

CBN: Where do you sell your artwork? Has the state government given you platform where you have showcased your art?

RT: My paintings have not been sold so far, but my artwork in the form of books and posters are being sold almost everywhere in Arunachal Pradesh.

I have made a comic book depicting THE STORY OF ABOTANI, which was published during the year 1999, also Wall Posters on Apatani Cultural activities like SUBU TANIIN, ELI BANIIN, BOHA BENIIN, LAPAN BONIIN & PEN ENIIN were sold during the year 2001. Another book on THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF APATANI was published and sold in the Year 2013. Comic Book on stories of Abotani & Burupiicha has been published this year and I have sold a few copies during the Dree festival and its sale is still going on. No, there has not been any platform provided by the state government to showcase my art so far.

CBN: What is your expectation from the state government?

RT: I expect the state government to recognize the hidden young Artists of the state and to encourage them to show their talents. The government can organize an art fare inviting the artists from all over the state and hold a competition among them and reward them for their excellence. I have seen many budding artists but because there is no platform for them to show their talents, they have to keep their art talents aside and focus on other fields.

CBN: What is your current favorite piece that you created?

RT: Painting work prepared for the Exhibition on the Topic ‘Creation of Universe

CBN: Can you share with us your goal for the future?

RT: I want to create awareness among the people about the field of Art in Arunachal Pradesh.

CBN: What are you working on at the moment?

RT: Painting work for Exhibition.

CBN: What do you do when you’re not creating? What (other) hobbies do you have?

RT: I am always thinking for new things or new story, my mind is never empty, it keeps on running for new ideas. But most of the time when I am not creating, I sleep.

CBN: What would people be surprised to learn about you?

RT: I don’t have anything to surprise people. I am an ordinary person. But there is one thing that I feel might surprise a few. I seem very silent and reserved kind, but once you get close to me; you will come to know how talkative I actually am.

CBN: Where can we find you online?

RT: I am there on Face book, www.popisarmin.co.in, flicker, imageking. My mail address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

CBN: Do you have any tips or inspiring words to share?

RT: Let’s make our state Arunachal Pradesh a colorful and Art loving state!!