ES Newsdesk

ITANAGAR, Jul 25: Noted sculptor of the state, Takar Riba, famed for his iconic "Dignity of Labour" statue built in 1985, on the Itanagar-Naharlagun highway, which depicts a man pushing a huge boulder, passed away today at 62 years of age.
Born to a humble family on 3 February, 1949 at Disi village, present Lepa Rada District, he was the second among eight children. Late Riba is survived by his wife, son and grandchildren.
A natural talent, on being asked by the school headmaster to draw a portrait of Joiram Das Daulatram, then Governor of Assam who visited Aalo in 1955, the young Riba drew the portrait of the Governor perfectly in a matter of time. The young artist drew pictures so perfect that he was given many prizes and was featured in a documentary film which was shown across villages.
In 1961, in the Children’s Drawing and Painting Competition organized by the Rongpur Jyoti Sangh of Sibsagar, he won The Governor’s Gold Medal from the Chief Minister of Assam. 
However it was in 1968, when the Deputy Commissioner  of Siang District visited Disi village where he learnt about this incredible talent, that things turned for Riba. In the same year, the wife of the Deputy Commissioner asked him to join Shantiniketan, Calcutta. Accordingly they managed his journey expenses where Riba completed his 5 years Diploma in Fine Arts, Painting, Graphic and Sculpture in 1973 and became the first artist of the state.
Among his various achievements--
he served as an Art Expert in the Department of IPR, designed and displayed Tableaux several times during Republic Day at New Delhi, Sculpture of two elephants and lion head at the Zoo gate of Itanagar.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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