‘A text from my mother changed my expression while standing with the president’

NEW DELHI: Interview with Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, former Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu, had recently drawn attention. In a podcast with Raj Shamani, Rishabh spoke about his duties. He retired after around 12 years of military service. He also opened up about the bad experiences he faced while serving as the President’s ADC.

‘Fake news circulated on social media saying that I was married and had multiple wives and that I am also involved in many relationships. Some posts even alleged that I was a cheater and a fraud. One is appointed to posts in the Army and at the Rashtrapati Bhavan only after strict police background verification and security checks.

Even then, I was shocked that people could create and spread such baseless stories. I personally did not have any issues with it, but my parents were a bit concerned. Once, while I was standing at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, my mother sent me a photo which she received from somewhere. The picture showed a woman holding a child, with me standing beside her with my arm around her shoulder.

I was standing with the President then. Suddenly, my facial expression changed. Madam asked me what had happened. I then showed her the photo. She then asked me, ‘When did you do this?’. I then said, ‘Oh Madam, that’s exactly what I’m wondering too.’

Although it may sound funny when you hear it, it really wasn’t funny. It had upset my mother,’ said Rishabh Singh.