At 74, most would choose to rest. But for Nk Chawang Ringin (Retd), life is still a mission- a mission to inspire youth and fight against drug abuse. Born on 24 August 1951 in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, this proud son of the mountains once served the nation in the Intelligence Corps of the Indian Army, joining the prestigious force in August 1970. During his 20 years of service, he was deployed in various sectors along the Eastern Fronts, embodying the discipline, dedication, and courage that define the Indian Army.
After retiring, he returned to his hometown, only to be disheartened by the growing menace of cannabis and substance abuse among the local youth. Determined to bring change, he took up a new battle, not with weapons, but with words and willpower. He began conducting awareness meetings in villages, urging the youth to “Say No to Drugs” and instead “Join the Indian Army” to serve the nation with pride. His tireless efforts also contributed to eliminating local cannabis cultivation, making him a true social reformer in the region.
His passion for fitness and discipline never faded. He first participated in the Tawang Marathon in 2017, running from Tawang Gompa to Tawang War Memorial, where he clinched 1st position in the 5 km category and received a cash award of ₹25,000 from the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. In 2018, he secured 2nd position, earning the Victory Award from the GOC, Gajraj Corps.
This year, during the Tawang Marathon 3.0 held on 24 October 2025, Nk Chawang Ringin (Retd) once again stood out, receiving the Special Achiever Prize for his unwavering spirit. His enduring message to the youth of Tawang remains powerful and clear , “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life.”
