From President Murmu’s ADC to paid Instagram creator: Why Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal is facing criticism

The former Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu has ventured into digital content creation and launched a paid Instagram subscription. His move has sparked discussion on social media, with some users questioning the decision while others argue that a retired officer can pursue a new career.

From Army officer to content creator

Sambyal's Instagram subscription offers followers access to exclusive content and subscriber-only interactions. Reports say the subscription is priced at ₹199 per month for iPhone users and ₹180 for Android users, with more than 1,500 people reportedly subscribing.

His transition has drawn attention because of the public profile he built during his military career, particularly while serving as President Murmu's ADC.

Who is Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal?

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal is a former Indian Army officer who served as an Aide-de-Camp to President Droupadi Murmu for around three years.

He was commissioned into the Indian Army in 2018 after training at the National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy. His military career included service with the Jat Regiment and later 4 Para Special Forces.

In 2021, then-Captain Sambyal led the Jat Regiment contingent at the Republic Day Parade. The contingent subsequently won the Best Marching Contingent Trophy. He later served with 4 Para Special Forces and earned the Balidaan Badge, according to reports.

Three years as President Murmu's ADC

Sambyal's appointment as ADC to President Droupadi Murmu brought him greater public attention. The role involved accompanying the President during official engagements, ceremonies and visits while following military and presidential protocol.

His appearances alongside President Murmu subsequently became widely recognised on social media.

Why has his Instagram move drawn criticism?

The paid subscription has divided opinion online. Some social-media users have questioned whether a former Army officer, particularly one who served as the President's ADC, should monetise a following built partly around his military profile.

One social-media critic described the move as a “shame and a downgrade for the Army”, while others have questioned the commercialisation of his public image. These are views expressed by individual users and do not establish that his post-retirement career represents a “downgrade.”

At the same time, supporters have argued that Sambyal is now a retired officer and can choose a second career. The debate has therefore centred on how his military identity relates to his new work as a digital creator.

Sambyal's response

Responding to criticism of his paid content, Sambyal has defended the work and said he sees an element of “desh seva” (service to the country) in reaching people through his platform.

He has also indicated that his content can be used to share information and experiences with his audience. His response came after criticism from social-media users over his decision to monetise his online presence.