Serving as an Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the President of India is one of the most prestigious appointments of the Indian Armed Forces. An ADC operates at an intersection of high military precision, and presidential protection, and acts as a constant shadow of the President. 

In a recent podcast known as Figuring Out With Raj Shamani, Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, a former ADC to the President Draupadi Murmu, opened about the selection process, the preparation that goes in it and the everyday reality of saving the first citizen of the country.

Training For Aide-De-Camp Is All About Being Alert

The former ADC revealed that to ensure President’s safety, the entire 1km around her is sanitised, no arms or metals or any dangerous metal should be around her vicinity. During the training period Rishabh mentioned, “During a probation, you're roughly carrying around 80 to 70 kgs on yourself. You're deprived of water, you're deprived of food, and you're deprived of sleep for 30 to 40 days,”. 

He also talked about their daily running sessions, where they are supposed to run in circles, and during their walk random things are kept, for example, a helmet behind the tree. When they conclude running, they are asked about the things that they observed while running.

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Other Responsibilities Of An ADC

Rishabh talked about the responsibilities that come with the job. An ADC is the closest person to the Prime Minister, so if the President wishes to speak to the Prime Minister, the ADC is responsible for connecting that call, and even if the Prime Minister is on the line, the ADC greets the PM first, before connecting them to the President. 

Shared A Mother-Son Bond With The President

While speaking about the President, Rishabh said that when he looked at the President for the first time he envisioned his mother in her. She was even warm to other ADCs as well. He said that they had developed a connection, and it made him miss his mom. 

Currently, Major Navya Shekhavat serves as an ADC to the President, Draupadi Murmi, making history as the first woman to hold the position. 

Conclusion

Serving as an Aide-de-Camp to the President of India is far more than a ceremonial role. It is a masterclass in military discipline, unwavering vigilance, and profound personal connection. As Major Rishabh Sambyal's insights reveal, behind the intense training and strict protocol lies a deeply human experience defined by devotion to both duty and the country's first citizen. 

(Image Credits:Instagram)
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