‘Couldn’t live normally’: Ex-ADC Major Rishabh Sambyal on his greatest personal sacrifice

New Delhi: Days after opting for premature retirement following 12 years of military service, former Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu, retired Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, has candidly reflected on the intense demands of his high-profile role, identifying the postponement of marriage and personal relationships as his greatest sacrifice.

Speaking on Raj Shamani's podcast on September 10, the former Army officer, often dubbed a 'national crush' on social media, offered a rare look into the solitary nature of his duty. He explained that strict protocol prevents serving ADCs from marrying during their tenure.

“I am not married. There is a clause for the ADCs (to the President) that they cannot get married,” Sambyal revealed. “I had to stay away from my family, and I consider that the biggest sacrifice. While serving the President, I could not go out as a normal human being and enjoy life. That was the cost I paid.”

Despite the heavy restrictions, Sambyal noted that he embraced the isolation that came with the position. Rather than letting loneliness weigh him down, he used it for self-reflection, making a habit of spending at least one hour alone every day away from everyone to evaluate his thoughts.

Interestingly, Sambyal admitted that becoming an ADC was never part of his original career plan. He recalled being completely unaware of the role until his Commanding Officer (CO) informed him that he had been shortlisted during a joint military exercise.

Initially hesitant, Sambyal agreed to take on the challenge after consulting colleagues. His CO, however, issued a stern warning before he accepted, there was no option to simply ‘try it out’, and failure would carry severe professional consequences. Sambyal eventually took the leap, embarking on a tenure that transformed both his military career and his personal life.