Major Rishabh Sambyal, internet's ‘national crush’ and President's ex-ADC, retires from Army | India News

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, who served as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu, has taken premature retirement from the Indian Army after around 12 years of service.Apart from being celebrated for his professional achievements, his appearances next to the President on Republic Day this year also got him the “national crush” tag on social media.Sambyal met President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan a week back, where he thanked her for her guidance and blessings. The meeting reportedly came after Sambyal completed his tenure as her ADC. “Honoured to call on the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The blessings and teachings of the Hon'ble President have helped me grow as an individual in life. Also, it was wonderful to meet the family once again. Jai Hind,” he wrote on Instagram alongside photographs with the President. Who is Rishabh Singh Sambyal?Sambyal joined the National Defence Academy after clearing the NDA examination in 2013 and was part of the 133rd NDA course that began in 2014, according to his LinkedIn profile. He later studied military studies and defence management at the Indian Military Academy.ALSO READ | 'Don't buy gold, don't marry abroad': PM Modi revives swadeshi pitch amid India's GDP growthSambyal first drew professional attention during the Republic Day parade in 2021, when he was a Captain in the Jat Regiment and led its contingent. The contingent won the Best Marching Contingent Trophy that year.He later served with 4 Para Special Forces, also known as the Daggers. He reportedly earned the Balidaan Badge during his Special Forces service.He was selected as an ADC to President Murmu in March 2023. Role as President's ADCAn ADC to the President handles protocol, schedules and coordination during official programmes. The officer also works with senior government officials and foreign dignitaries.Sambyal’s professional profile says his role included protocol management, security, itinerary planning and official engagements. He also accompanied President Murmu on official visits and at public events.ALSO READ | PM Modi hails ‘herculean feat’, Cong asks ‘where are jobs?’: GDP figures draw mixed responseHow Sambyal became a social-media sensationDuring his tenure as President Murmu’s ADC, Sambyal’s appearances with her at official events were widely shared on social media. Users often commented on his appearance and his role alongside the President.Videos and photographs of Sambyal assisting President Murmu at public events, including handing her a handkerchief and holding an umbrella over her, were also widely shared.He was again noticed during the 2026 Republic Day Parade while accompanying the President. His popularity on social media led some users to call him the internet’s “national crush”.