Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, the former Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu, who became a social media sensation during his tenure at Rashtrapati Bhavan, has prematurely retired from the Indian Army after around 12 years of service.
Major Sambyal was well-known on social media for being associated with President Murmu at official ceremonies, national events, and abroad. His calm presence and military uniform made him an instant favourite online, and social media users often referred to him as India’s ‘national crush.’
His premature retirement has now attracted a lot of attention, especially from those who followed him down through the years as the President's ADC.
Major Sambyal's Retirement Comes After 12 Years of Service
The development came to light after the official digital photo library of Rashtrapati Bhavan identified Major Sambyal as a retired former ADC.
After leaving the position, Sambyal met President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 21. He later shared photos of the meeting on Instagram and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet the President.
His meeting with President Murmu comes as he begins a new phase of his life after more than a decade in military service.
From Republic Day Parade To President's ADC
Rishabh Singh Sambyal has various military assignments. He comes from a Dogra Rajput family with roots in Jammu and Kashmir and studied at the National Defence Academy before going to the Indian Military Academy.
He served first in the Jat Regiment, one of the famous infantry regiments of the Indian Army. Later on, he was in the elite 4 Para Special Forces, known as the Daggers.
As a captain, he took over the Jat Regiment contingent in 2021 during the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi, where he led the contingent of the Jat Regiment and won the Best Marching Contingent Trophy, adding another achievement to his military record.
In March 2023, Sambyal was appointed Aide-de-Camp to President Droupadi Murmu. It put him in one of the Army’s very visible ceremonial roles and brought him into the public eye.
He accompanied the President at major official functions and diplomatic events. Photographs of these events were popular on social media, and by then his picture was well known outside military circles.
Why did Major Sambyal retire early?
If he was to leave the Army before he went through a longer career, the people of his country would question the reasons for that.
According to his social media interactions, family and personal reasons were probably behind his decision. Sambyal has said that certain things in life change an individual’s course and perspective.
There is no indication that his decision was linked to any particular professional controversy. But his retirement seems to be a personal decision as he goes to the next chapter of his career.
Looking At A New Professional Chapter
Major Sambyal’s LinkedIn profile says he is a military professional in leadership, high-pressure operations, and strategic planning. His profile might be open to work now, so he might be looking for a job outside the Army.
His military experience (especially leadership, special operations, and strategic environments) is a strong foundation for his next professional role.
He resigned early, and a lot of people are surprised, but his 12-year army career has many good jobs and achievements.
From leading a Republic Day Parade contingent to serving with the Jat Regiment and 4 Para Special Forces, and later becoming an ADC to the President of India, Major Sambyal has had a career marked by diverse responsibilities.
His departure from the army will signify not only his end in uniform but could also represent the beginning of a new career path. For the many people who came to know him through his appearances at Rashtrapati Bhavan, his premature retirement will be the subject of great interest.
