Retired Army Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal has become the subject of a fresh social media debate after launching a paid subscription on Instagram. The subscription, reportedly priced at around ₹199 per month, offers followers access to exclusive content, subscriber badges, early access to posts and reels, and opportunities for direct interactions through “ask-me-anything” sessions.
Sambyal, who has more than two million Instagram followers, rose to prominence during his military career. He served with the Jat Regiment, led its contingent during the 2021 Republic Day Parade, later joined 4 Para Special Forces and earned the Balidaan Badge. In March 2023, he was appointed Aide-de-Camp to President Droupadi Murmu, a role that brought him significant public attention.
The subscription has divided online opinion. Some users have questioned whether a former Army officer should monetise an audience built partly around his military identity. One criticism described the move as a “downgrade for the Army.” Sambyal responded: “Some see a downgrade. A soldier sees another way to serve.”
Others argue that Sambyal retired from the Army in 2026 and is entitled to pursue a new professional path. Recent reports say he left after around 12 years of service, citing family considerations and describing the decision as one of the hardest of his life.
The controversy has consequently opened a broader conversation about how retired military personnel transition into second careers and whether social media monetisation should be viewed differently when a creator’s public identity is rooted in military service.
