‘Biggest Sacrifice’: Why Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal Could Not Marry While Serving As President’s ADC

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, former ADC to President Droupadi Murmu, has revealed that restrictions on marriage and family life were among the biggest personal costs of his three-year tenure.

Why Rishabh Sambyal Did Not Marry

Sambyal, who served in the Indian Army for around 12 years before taking premature retirement, discussed his time as the President’s Aide-de-Camp in a conversation with podcaster Raj Shamani.

Asked about the biggest sacrifice he made during his tenure, Sambyal pointed to his personal life rather than the demands of military service.

He said there was a provision preventing an ADC to the President from marrying during the tenure and that the officer also had to remain away from family. He described this as the biggest sacrifice he made while serving in the role.

‘You Don’t Have Life Outside’

Sambyal said the assignment left little scope for living a conventional personal life. He explained that while serving alongside the President, he could not simply go out and enjoy life like an ordinary person.

The former officer also spoke about the loneliness associated with the posting. Rather than viewing it entirely negatively, he said periods of solitude gave him time to reflect on his thoughts, strengths, weaknesses and decisions.

From Army Officer To President’s ADC

Sambyal was selected as an ADC to President Murmu in March 2023. The role involved protocol management, security coordination, itinerary planning and accompanying the President during official engagements and visits.

He has said that becoming an ADC was not originally part of his plans. After being shortlisted, he initially had other preferences but eventually accepted the assignment after discussions with colleagues and his commanding officer.

Why He Left The Army

Sambyal recently took premature retirement after about 12 years in the Army, including roughly three years as President Murmu’s ADC.

In his conversation with Shamani, he also linked his decision to his responsibilities towards his parents and family. He said he had to make a choice between his own career and commitments to those close to him, ultimately deciding that he did not want to spend his life regretting that decision.

How He Became An Internet Sensation

Sambyal's appearances alongside President Murmu at official events made him widely recognisable on social media. Images and videos of him assisting the President during public engagements, including holding an umbrella and attending to protocol duties, were widely shared.

His appearance at the 2026 Republic Day Parade further increased his visibility online, with social media users dubbing him the internet’s “national crush”.

The former officer has since moved into a new phase of life after leaving the Army, while his comments have offered a rare glimpse into the personal restrictions and demands associated with serving as an ADC to the President.