Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, who became widely known as the internet’s “national crush” during his time as Aide-de-Camp to President Droupadi Murmu, has taken premature retirement from the Indian Army after around 12 years of service.
Sambyal became a familiar face to the public while accompanying President Murmu at important ceremonies, official events and foreign visits. His disciplined appearance and calm presence quickly caught the attention of social media users, leading to viral fan edits and the nickname “national crush”.
After leaving the Army, Sambyal met President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 21. Sharing pictures from the meeting, he thanked the President for her guidance and support during his time as her ADC. He also expressed his happiness at meeting the President and her family again.
Sambyal began his military journey after clearing the National Defence Academy examination in 2013. He later trained at the Indian Military Academy and went on to serve in several important roles.
In 2021, while serving as a Captain in the Jat Regiment, he led the regiment’s contingent at the Republic Day Parade. The contingent won the Best Marching Contingent Trophy.
He later served with the elite 4 Para Special Forces, also known as the Daggers. During his time with the unit, he earned the Balidaan Badge, an honour associated with the Parachute Regiment’s Special Forces.
Sambyal was selected for the President’s ADC role in 2023. The position brought him into the public eye as he accompanied President Murmu during major national and international engagements.
His premature retirement came after around 12 years in the Army. Reports citing his Instagram Live suggested that personal and family reasons influenced his decision. Sambyal also indicated that certain experiences and situations in life can change a person’s path.
With his Army career now over, Sambyal appears to be preparing for his next professional chapter. His LinkedIn profile says he is open to work and highlights areas such as strategic leadership, risk and crisis management, operational planning and people management.
From leading a Republic Day contingent and serving with the Special Forces to becoming President Murmu’s ADC and later gaining huge popularity online, Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal has had a notable military career. His premature retirement now marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
