Ex-Special Forces Officer & President's ADC Reveals Security Secrets

I got the closest person to the president. >> [music]

>> What is your day-to-day responsibilities? >> Everything. I would say presidential

requirements, which can be official, unofficial. So, we look after everything. Say for example, president

wishes to speak to the prime minister. She will call us, tell us that she wants to speak to the prime minister. So,

we'll call up their people. I will speak to the prime minister. He's there. Yellow. Then she speaks.

>> Why is it not allowed to touch feet of a president or a prime minister or like shake hands?

>> You don't know the intentions of the individual. For example, let me say, I don't like you. I come here. I greet

your hand. I have something in my eye. I just have to press. Or I give you a slap. I will go in jail. That is the

best. Kya hoga? But the image of the president is destroyed. How can you trust a person who's on the other side?

>> Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, ex-special forces officer and former ADC to the president of India. If you want to

understand what life is really like inside India's special forces, what it means to be the closest officer to the

president and the mindset it takes to operate on the front line, this episode is for you.

>> What is the most useless or the tiniest thing that you care about? >> she will have water from.

>> Why is that important? >> You don't know who has kept it there. You don't know something is on the glass

or not. >> When you have these many securities, like what is the amount of area that you

secure? >> Complete 1 km of area is sanitized. >> Then what do you mean by sanitized?

>> Sanitized means no arms, [music] no metal, any sort of material. >> Do you train yourself to become more

alert? >> Yes. >> How?

>> So, during our probation, so you're roughly carrying around 80-70 kg on yourself. You're deprived of water,

you're deprived of food, and you're deprived of sleep for 30-40 days. And then you are made to take a walk roughly

around a kilometer in a circular route. While you're doing this, in between random places, there are things kept.

Say for example, we keep this helmet behind a tree. And when that finishes, there's a test. What did [music] you

observe? That is how we train ourselves. >> So, what in the room can be the most lethal weapons?

>> Pen is the easiest weapon. You yourself, your hands are the lethal weapons. We been trained. There are specific points

in your body with your just one pinch, you become incapable of movements. We can make you lie down.

>> You have an incredible bond with our president. A lot of people say mother-son duo. You're like very close.

>> The first time I met the president, it felt like my mother is standing in front of me. Since 2014, I've never lived with

ma'am, mom. I always used to go back home for a couple of days, live with her, and then again, bye-bye for next

6-7 months, and then see her after 6 months. But, this was the actual time when I was spending my entire 3 years

with the president. The nature she has was very homely, and I just built a connection. And the warmth which she

showed upon us, to me and to all the ADCs, it was wonderful. And it used to make me make me miss my mom.

>> you have such a good bond, you're learning, you're young, why are you retiring?

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description. What is worse that you've heard about yourself?

Or you've seen? >> Seen though I saw what you mean. I have seen like I've been with a

I have a family which they know there are a lot of rumors that I'm married. I have multiple wives, I have multiple

relationships. That's how they portray and destroy the image. Then there are multiple cases of cheating and fraud on

me. Are you [snorts] serious? >> [clears throat]

[laughter] >> You get a police verification here something here.

But it's still there. So I don't have anything but people will talk. What affects me or what bothers me

is when my family gets affected. Or it's it's a natural thing. Because of them I am at a

at the stage to take care of them. Now I'm trying to do something good for people.

You ever thought of doing it? Just do it. Be happy.

But I don't know why some people are Or why are they doing this? So the only thing that bothers me is I

don't personally I would say I don't care what people think of me. I'm just here to express my views and opinions.

In a free world I can do that. And I want to help people with along with me. If I grow up, grow up along with me.

I'll pull you. I'll be with you. But just do not go and affect where it affects is the family. So now Uh you've

seen a lot of movies now target family So I would say situation I can imagine that

it wasn't true. The truth. Like somebody now start targeting your family, you are not

mentally right, normal. You can't actually think and work. You always worried in the back of your head are you

and your mom and dad. >> What is mom thinking? What is dad thinking? They're aging also, so they

might not even be able to distinguish between true and false.

>> And I don't want to give them stress in this situation. I don't want them to have stress or thoughts. So my mom tell

she got a picture of me while I was in Rashtrapati Bhavan. She got a somehow somewhere somebody sent her she got a

picture of me with a a girl carrying a baby in her hand and mera hath aise hai. I like to me you come here. My mom sent

this to me. I'm with the president. So I'm I'm like my facial expression changed now to ma'am ne bola kya hua? So

ma'am ko dikhaya ke tumne ye kab kiya? >> [laughter] >> I said ma'am come on.

I'm also thinking maine kab kiya? >> [laughter] >> So but that's on a fun like lighter

note. But I am actually asking about what disturbs me like this thing. I don't want to give them stress. That's

it. >> So aisa bhi ho raha hai. It's a it's a

lot of things. Like I >> When people say all of these things that you have you have cheated, you have

frauded, you have cases going on, don't they think that the position you are in the forces and agencies must have

scrutinized and checked everything? >> They don't they lack this. That is what I said. And people who

believe it lack this. >> How how is it possible? You're serving the president.

You're the closest person to the president. >> Yes.

>> Of the largest democracy in the world. >> yes.

>> And it's a democracy, right? So if you are if you are in a room where the most VIPs

of the VIPs of the world can't enter >> Yeah. >> and you are there.

>> Was I just sent there? >> Like [laughter] were you were you sent there?

>> [gasps] >> How do we believe believe? >> So log dal rahe hain that is another

thing but look believe rahe hain and then questioning. Wow, I mean like seriously wow.

>> You must be going through such background verification and check which is insane. Tell me

what is ADC? >> Yeah, aid >> What is this position? The only thing we

know the only thing we know that you are the person who is right next to president all the time.

But you are not a you are not the president's security. You are not you are not a manager. I don't know what

you are like you the name is ADC. What is it? >> ADC stands for aide-de-camp. It's a

French terminology. It was a French origin. It It has its origins from the France. I

would say are the senior people. So they can't handle or manage everything on their own.

>> Okay. >> Like for example, if I would have to explain you are sitting here, but you

can't just come and talk to me. I want to talk to you. Come on my You would know that because you have other

stuff to look after and there's a lot of things going on in your life. Sitting at big position.

>> Yeah. So you tell your closest who's a responsible guy.

>> Yes. >> He you got to do it. >> Get this done.

>> Get this done. So then he functions. He tells He divides the work. Media go on with

that. Contact to go there. And there are teams >> Yeah.

>> Similarly, I'm that man for the president who like if she has to get things done.

We get the orders. We are the execution part. >> Mhm.

>> We are not the planning part. >> Got it. >> Planning may I am holding it. We are a

part of planning, but the execution part is solely our responsibility. >> So is it like

in loose terms would it be like you are like chief of staff? >> Yes.

>> You are COS for the president. Is that >> Yes. >> closest?

>> Yes. >> Interesting. What is your day-to-day responsibilities? What do you do?

>> Everything. President her

I would say presidential requirements which can be official and official.

Personal >> Professional. >> Professional or professional, you know?

So we look after everything. >> or professional, you know? So, we look after

Let's say president wants key I want to buy uh something. Say, for example, a a helmet. I want to buy a helmet.

She can't go out in the market and buy, right? This is I'm talking about the personal stuff.

>> Yeah. Yeah. >> So, she tells the key uh I have this requirement. So, we then

you know, like speak to the agencies involved, different teams. We We know the requirement. She just have to tell

helmet. We know the color preference. Kesa rahega design what Itna jante hum president ko. I know what she's thinking

in her head. She just have to say it once. Ye sare ADCs ke sath [clears throat] hai. That

is the trust and the, you know, like so close we are. We know how she thinks and how she will react. So, if she says

helmet, I know achha choice dene ke liye to I will get three, four colors, but I know which color

she'll like, what design she'll like. So, I'll activate people ahead. You will do this. You go to the market.

You get the samples. You get the bills. We get everything. We show it to the president. She selects this is on the

personal side. On the professional side, she has to work. She has to speak to someone. Say, for example, president

wishes to speak to the prime minister. She can't directly pick up her own phone start talking to the prime minister. She

will call us. Tell us that she wants to speak to the prime minister. We directly can't call

the prime minister. So, we'll call up their people. Their people will get the prime minister online. I will speak to

the prime minister now because the president is the senior most in the nation, in the country.

So, like president, vice president, prime minister. If she has to speak to the prime

minister or anyone I would say in the country, I will get as an ADC, I will get the other person, dignitary online.

Confirm that the other person is online. Put him on hold and then tell the president that now you wanted this. He's

there. Yellow. Then she speaks. And if anything has to come to her, it

cannot go directly to her from anywhere in the country. It has to come to the ADC on duty. But, for the post she hold

>> Of course. >> For the designation she's holding, Republic of India. President is always a

senior most. >> And what are the other responsibilities? Let's say this is you making sure that

whatever the president needs you get it done. >> Yes.

>> Right. >> Execution of work. Uh the protocols related to the

president. >> What do you mean by protocol? >> Protocols is uh you know, there's a set

procedure how an event, for example, let's talk about an event or a ceremony or anything. Wherever the president

goes, let me say the president steps out of her bedroom in official capacity. She steps out. Wherever she'll go,

how she will go, what will happen while she's going, when she reaches there what will happen,

who will meet her, who will not meet her, when she addresses people, what surroundings

cla- like we need to clear the surroundings. There have to be set off no mistakes regarding the

PA system, regarding the electric- everything you can think of. Steps. Will there be carpeted? Will it

be carpeted? Will it not be? You have an umbrella if there's a rain contingency forecast may have.

So we prepare into each and everything. Pani, khana, rehna, uthna, baithna, gadi konsi hogi, gadi mein ma'am kahan

baithenge. So we have to ensure that when the president gets down from the helicopter or the aircraft and sits in

the car, that is not there.

Because we are trying to remove certain things out of the system. It's it's not easy in the country, especially towards

uh you know, towards the backward areas. Wahan pe abhi bhi ye sab hai. So we go into detail of which glass she

will use. Is the glass safe? Is anything involved or mixed for the

president? Is whatever she's eating has to be checked and verified and confirmation

comes to us. Although the responsibility of eating and drinking of the president is the comptroller of the household.

He checks it. He gives us a all okay. Because in the end everything, if anything goes wrong,

the blame is on us. It's our response. Anything. Chalte chalte slip over here.

Barish may be gay. President be gay. She's a president. She at least she needs to be covered. It's her She's

given with the you know like the Republic has given her these privileges. We need to ensure it. Because on a

global front when she goes, she we have to come up as a big nation. So it starts domestically, then it goes

internationally. So same thing happens when we go on a foreign tour. Everything, who can come close.

Now people in a you know like in the country there's a welcoming tradition of food all right.

You can't put 100 flowers on the president. Not everyone can come close. You don't

know the intentions. There's a lot many times the president has got down while the car is moving.

But you don't know what you want to do. But you don't know what you want to do. Because you can't check into anything.

So what happened? Kidney police force come over here. Security Although the security aspects with the

state government and the police and the security agencies, we are not responsible for

that. But yes, we have to be aware of. So you can you can imagine every step taken by the president is decided

and responsibility of any >> Tell me one or two responsibilities which are like

which we don't even know about, which is invisible, which is difficult or more than most

difficult part of this job that you do. Which we have no clue about. >> I think

in easier terms if I would have to explain this is the liaisoning part which we do is the

most difficult one. So now India is a It's not a homogeneous country. It's a heterogeneous. You find different

communities, tribes, languages, and bring all of them on one similar line is the biggest responsibility because

Come here. There are There have been certain instances where people don't understand.

They don't understand the language itself, English. They don't understand. Then you find someone who can make them

explain in their language and you know, getting the reassurances. Well, it's not so I've told that the president will

walk and have a photograph first. For example, she will get down the vehicle, walk and have a photograph first.

I've told it. Will it be done? I have to get it assurances from him. So we get them do

the rehearsal, send the video to us. Finally, we approve it. Now, it has to be done like this because on the final

day if they do a mistake, we don't want the president to stand like awkwardness in a in a awkward situation.

We can't do that. It'll be a shame on us. So to

let that thing not happen, we get the rehearsals done. We get the verification. So the difficult part is

liaisoning with the people. >> Like making so many different people of different languages understand what you

want and what they want. >> And also their dignity is not hurt. You have to be sometimes rude

because people take it leniently. You have to be very polite to someone. There are elder people, senior people. You

can't just directly tell them to do this. So remaining in the boundaries, you have to

get things done. And only on a phone call because we are not going there and doing it. We are sitting in Delhi.

If the president has to go say for example East or South or anywhere in the country, but

we are linked on a phone call. Everything is happening on a phone call. So that is the most so the most

difficult part in the entire a day is the tour. Even if it's a domestic or a

international tour. It's the most hectic job. >> Why?

>> You are so in a day president at least has like there are three events scheduled for the

president. Every day. On tour. >> Okay.

>> On tour. When she is on tour out of Delhi [snorts] anywhere in the country, minimum three events she attends.

>> Mhm. >> Three events car the moment she gets down from the car and the moment she

gets back into the car after the event, everything has to be planned. How it will happen.

>> Like >> want ruckus when the president is sitting on dais. We don't want people to

start anti you know, like slogans against the something. >> Mhm.

>> We don't want that. Anything can go wrong. So, we have to be prepared for any and each and everything. So, the

moment she gets down from the vehicle and the moment she she as in like the president of India

gets back into the car, everything is the responsibility of the ADC. >> And when they get out of the car

>> Yep. >> Mhm. >> [clears throat]

>> What's difficult about it? The because there's so many moving parts and security lapse is a difficult part.

>> Security lapse is not the difficult part, but the movement around the president. Now, everyone wants to meet

the president. >> Wow. >> Anyone can do anything.

>> Anyone can do anything because you can't control the emotional outflow or burst of the people, outburst of the people.

I've seen people the moment you know, like the president in the car I've told, "Okay, don't do this. Don't do this. We

only do this. When she comes out, you can just greet her." But when the moment she comes out, she she they see the

president of India, they just go down towards her feet. Or maybe

>> Mhm. >> They do out of exuberance. >> It's an emotional outburst of humans.

You can't control that. That is the most difficult part. You can't be Now, I can't pull the person in front of her

because everything is live recorded. I'm being telecasted. So, then they'll say ADCs are the worst humans. They do this

thing to people. >> Yeah. >> So, that is the most challenging part to

not hurt someone >> And yet >> but to control everything.

>> And why why is it not allowed to touch feet of a president or a prime minister or like

shake hands? >> You don't know the intentions of the individual.

Okay, for example, if I if I don't like something. >> Mhm.

>> Say for example, it's just an example. I don't like something. I don't like for example, let me say I don't like you.

>> Yeah, okay. >> I come here, I greet your hand. I have something in my hand, just have to

press. Or I give you a slap. Police I I will go in jail. That is the

best. Case ho jayega. But the image of the president is destroyed.

How can you trust a person who's on the other side? You can't trust. I know they want to do it, but you can't

trust. You're not 100% sure. >> And you don't know out of that millions of people who's that one person.

>> one, huh? They'll not be Everyone will not do it, but they'll be only one human who will do it, and your everything is

shattered. Your image, your work ethics, everything is gone.

One individual who had a mind rogue rogue mind.

Ab mujhe ye karna on a national TV. >> And there they can be some psychopaths. >> Psychopaths.

>> Yes, or someone who's politically driven from some >> Any reason.

>> Other nation, other country, other forces, yeah. >> Yeah, you can't decipher the reason.

You can't identify the person who has a reason. So, the best way is to stop doing that.

Then people feel bad ki we stop it, but it's for a reason. >> Do you look at everyone with a lens of

>> Yes. >> distrust? >> Yes, we have to.

>> Like everyone is a bad person. >> Other than the people see government officials

and the senior people, but as a like whom I don't know personally, we look at the same way. Every human we look at the

same way. Even if when you come for the president, we will brief you, and I will be standing when you meet the president.

>> Mhm. >> So that suddenly you don't like come out of emotion up oh, I want to do this now.

Everyone is recording me. I'm on the national TV. I'll do something. >> No, just for that one moment.

>> Just for one moment. >> A lot of people would be like that. >> Anyone can do that. I can't trust

anyone. Nobody You can't trust a human emotional outburst or their mindset. You know, what the psychopath is just

psychopath that you just mentioned. So, we look at everyone with the same eyes. That anything can go wrong. We are

always prepared that it will go wrong. Yeah. So, we work accordingly so that nothing goes wrong when the president is

out. She is not uncomfortable. The president of India is not uncomfortable and the image of the president of India

is guarded. >> What is the most useless or the tiniest thing that you

care about? >> The glass. She will have water from.

>> Why? Why Why is that important? Any glass she can have water if it's clean, it's great.

>> You don't know who has kept it there. You don't know something is on the glass or not.

>> And how do you test that? >> The security does that. >> Like they will drink from every Like how

do How do they do >> it's cleaned, checked, kept there, and the room is

closed. >> Who checked like >> The police. It's the security agencies.

It is their responsibility. >> Everything. >> Do they eat everything before they taste

everything before it reaches the president? >> There's a security procedure in eating

also. What meals will be included, what in the meals, what's you know, like the spices they will be

using, whatever it's being prepared for the president. It's There's a responsibility of someone who checks it

and then gives an okay here now it's okay. She's good to have it. It might so happen that you know, she's allergic to

some food. Might so happen. So, they will test it in one hour

before. >> But there must be one person traveling with her all the time to prepare the

meals, right? >> she has a cook. Yes. So, there's a particular choice of meal they have. So,

everywhere if like wherever it is not available, the cooks of the travel along, the staff.

>> Do they eat from other places as well or do they only >> They

eat from other places like on a in a banquet. >> They will eat.

>> They will eat. >> It's not like only one person can be >> which is prepared for the president is

categorically like made for the president. >> Mhm. Even in a banquet.

>> Even in a banquet. We send our chef in advance. >> So the one chef only would do

everything, right? >> The The cooks are doing it. The chef of the president goes there and tells ki

acha I do this, do that, don't do that. >> Okay. >> It might affect her. You don't want to

make the president uncomfortable. It's their responsibility. So that is how it works.

>> Okay, coming back. So in today you said touching feet, shaking hands not allowed. Then you also said not

everybody is allowed to meet the president. >> Yes, of course.

>> So who all are allowed to go to the cabin of president? >> So

>> [clears throat] >> the president meets, the appointments are conducted in a different room.

Anyone in the country can request to meet the president. The request is sent on an official email ID.

The staff of the honorable president vets it out. And then discusses it with the

president. So if for example you want to meet the

president, your email will also be taken and I'm not this person wants to meet you. For what reason? This is the

reason. Because now it's a big country, there are a lot of people in the country. You

cannot meet everyone. It's her personal time also. She's working also. So she segregates and filters are put in place.

What is important? If there's a reason we give priority to them. When she is free, if we have she has time, so people

without reason she won't they want to meet and discuss something, then the time is given.

So that is how the appointments are done. It's It's filtered. The permissions are

taken by the president after discussing discussing within the staff of the president.

>> Yes. >> But can with that all of this would be must be happening in an appointment

room, right? Not in her private cabin. >> Yes, there's an appointment room. >> In the private cabin, are people

allowed? >> Yes, the staff of the president. >> Okay, only the staff.

>> Only the staff. And yes, only the staff. >> Or the prime minister and all of these people they

>> and they come and meet. Yes, of course. >> And how does like the president goes and meets

the prime minister, the home minister, the defense ministers or they come and meet?

>> Mostly they come and meet. But in an event when we when the president is conducted to an event which

is, you know, if it is organized by a defense ministry or something is related to the defense and defense minister is

there, so they meet there. >> Interesting. >> But if for example, in an official

capacity if the defense minister has to meet the honorable president, the defense minister will come to

Rashtrapati Bhavan and meet the honorable president. That is how it happens.

>> And what's the difference between a prime minister's security and a president's security?

>> So, the president is the state head. >> Mhm. >> The responsibility of the security of

the president, the physical responsibility lies within the state. >> Mhm.

>> And by state I mean police. >> Mhm. >> Because police is the for the Republic

of Union of India. >> Okay. >> In the constitution, the police comes

under the Union of India. So, the security lies between the police services

>> Okay. >> of the president. The prime minister also

security is provided by the police services, but they have a specialized team of SPG.

>> Mhm. >> You might have seen uh people around the president.

>> SPG around the >> around the prime minister. They don't run SPG. So, the responsibility of

security of the prime minister is with the SPG. And the

security responsibility of the president is with the police. >> Okay. So, no security from the army.

>> No security from >> They all have independent agencies under the police.

>> Under the police, yes. >> Okay. So, and who would >> Uh SPG does not fall under police, but

the personnel who are in SPG, they are from the police services. >> Okay. So, the people who are being hired

as these security heads or people who are around the Prime Minister, they they all

come from police background, not from army background. >> Not from army background, no.

>> Interesting. And even from the president, it will be same. >> Oh, yes.

>> Don't we hear this that Black Cat Commandos, they join, you know, security or secure SF will secure of VIP

professional people. >> The responsibility of VIP security is not with the Para SF. But, yes, if the

VIP travels to a place, say for example, if the president travels to Srinagar, >> [snorts]

>> the responsibility will be with the police. But, the Para with SF or any army organization or unit will be there

because it's an active counter-terrorist terrorism area. So, the army will always be there and the assets of the army will

be used. It's an additional layer of security which is provided. The job of army is

not to protect the VVIPs. >> Interesting. So, nobody from army or let's say nobody from Para SF or NSG

will be in a normal event in Delhi protecting the Prime Minister. >> See,

NSG comes under the charter of security, VVIP security. It doesn't comes [clears throat] under NSG does not

come under Ministry of Defense. >> Okay. >> It comes under Ministry of Home Affairs.

>> Okay. Oh, so there's a there's a lot of mix and twist. Okay. And Para [clears throat] SF is army. So,

Para SF doesn't >> Para SF is primarily for cross-border and to control the ta-

>> And for surgical operations and small specialized operations. >> Cross-border specialized operation

cross-border or internal. >> They're not security people. >> They're not security people. We don't

provide security to anyone. We provide security to the country. >> And there's

So, the difference between the Prime Minister and President security will only be SPG versus police.

>> Yes, of course. >> That's all.

>> And everything else, the protocol would be same? The number of people, the number of

>> Yes. Yes. It the protocols remain same for the VVIPs, for the important dignitaries of the government of India.

Now, the with the hierarchy, the one who is senior gets the first preference is given to the first senior.

Say for example, in an event where the president of India uh the prime vice president and the

prime minister are there. So, the first senior most is the president, of course. So, the preference of protocols starts

from the president and the vice president and the prime minister, but it is given to all three.

>> Of course. >> Simultaneously, at the same time. Say the best event is the Republic Day

parade. >> Mhm. >> So, as you would see, the last person to

come on the parade is the president of India. >> Mhm.

>> When the president of India is at the dais, she reaches and she's at the dais, the parade starts. That is the seniority

she holds. >> Mhm. And

This is just fascinating. How many people are there? 50, 100, 20, 10? >> Depends. Again, I would say if the

president is stepping outside in Delhi, uh and if the threat assessment is done, if there is any threat assessment by the

security agencies, the security force provided is increased. If there is uh you know, like no

security threat which has been assessed by the security agencies,

the normal security will be there. Normal uh is still more than 100. >> 100 to 100 people?

>> The entire area has to be sanitized, cleaned, so that when the president comes there or the prime minister or

anyone as a senior dignitary from the government of India comes there, they do not have to care about that.

>> Mhm. >> The execution of the work is done seamlessly. That is the main

responsibility. >> least there'll be 100 people even in the low threat area.

>> 100 or approximate 100. >> And in the highest security area, probably there'll be

>> Depends upon the uh assessment and the nature of event. >> It can go up more as well. And

when you have these many securities, like what is the amount of area, what is the range that you secure, the minimum?

>> I would say as per my experience, complete 1 km of area is sanitized. >> And what do you mean by sanitized?

>> Sanitized mean no arms, no metal, any sort of material

>> And you would know who's in, who's out, like >> people are responsible for that.

>> So they will test each and everything. >> Yes. Like for example, the Republic Day parade, the entire Delhi

which is New Delhi NDMC area is sanitized completely. >> [snorts]

>> Any personnel who is human, who is entering the parade to watch it as a citizen, as a normal Indian, is checked

at multiple levels so that we are sure that nobody creates there because now it's a big national event.

>> Yeah. >> And nothing can go wrong. So the detailing part is so deep that it it

could it takes a lot of days to prepare prepare and plan for it. The execution part is the most difficult.

>> And [snorts] it's so when

when there's a threat, what do you do? You cancel the entire event then?

>> There are different protocols for that. >> It's in case >> Yes.

>> Big because that would be even a even a slight threat, a joke,

>> If it is >> to take it seriously. >> Yeah, if it is prior to the event, we

cancel it. Depends upon the level of threat. The assessment is done by the security

agencies. They are completely responsible for that. But yes, if like if there is a threat,

we will not do it. >> But do you listen to the president or the prime minister, let's say,

when you tell the president that, "Ma'am, we have gotten this threat perception. There might be some problem.

We don't know. We are not sure, but the public event we should avoid." And madam says, "No, I still want to

go." Do you listen to her or no? >> Yeah, we listen to her. And you'd still go?

>> No, so then there's a it's a it's a it's a discussion which happens. The president is briefed

accordingly. The recommendation and suggestions from different agencies are given and then a conclu- decision is you

know like concluded. We come on to a one conclusion. It's not necessarily if the president wishes to but there's a threat

then why will the president go? Because there's a threat. But depends upon the nature and

requirement and the uh recommendations from all agencies. The one decision is finally taken.

>> And it's It can be anything. Who overrules this? The president's last decision has to be

the president. >> The last decision is with the president. If it's a presidential event, the last

decision is with the president. >> Okay. But then it's not like some agency would be like, "No, ma'am. I can't allow

you to go there. You can't go." >> They say that. So they say that because it is their

responsibility. The president of India would want to do that event.

>> Yeah. >> But they can't let that happen because they are aware key if something goes

wrong it is their responsibility. They will always pitch in this thing and the president also respects

>> them. And they've canceled events like that. >> that is their expertise. They are the

best person available in that. If the president if they tell the president that, "Ma'am, you should not do it

because this is the reason." She will say maybe postpone it, plan it some other day or whenever it's clear and

safe. Because we don't want to be in a situation where now we are pulling out the president or something is happening

which destroys our image as a nation. >> So let's say this is a big thing. Okay, this is

coming canceling an event or threat perception is a big thing. Sometime let's say something small

happens. Whose job is in trouble? Let's say the chair was put late or the water didn't reach on time or the carpet like

she slipped. You don't know. Like there are like small things which you were talking about.

>> Understand. Understand. So if there any mistake has happened so

we inform the concerned people. There's a committee held. The guilty people or the mistake by whosoever it has done, it

is brought to notice. If it's of grave mistake, but we don't punish people for not keeping glass

of water. There's no punishment for that. Maybe we'll tell them don't repeat it again because it's just a glass of

water. It can be replaced any day. There's no punishment for not keeping the glass of water. But yes, we need to

find it out because it should not happen on a repetitive uh base.

>> Okay. >> Every event should not be happening. >> But as an ADC, that's your main job.

>> Yes. >> It's your job to make sure that President's life is easy and you can't

mess up. So, is your job in trouble if you do this? >> Yes.

That is why we do it. We get hold of all the people who are responsible for these things, who are involved in

the you know, like in in the availability of a water glass or a glass of water for the President.

We are responsible. We get hold of the people. We ask "Kahan galti hui hai?" Like who is the main person who is

responsible? And that it should not be repeated again. So, we alert all the agencies, city state government, central

government agencies, whosoever is involved in that event that this was the mistake which had happened. It should be

brought to everyone's notice and not repeated again in future. >> Do you have a checklist in your head or

you have on a paper? >> Uh when I joined, when we join, you know, like as a newbie, newcomer, so

there's a checklist. But as the time passes by, now it's in the back of my head.

>> Mhm. How long is that checklist? How many things would be there in a checklist?

>> Multiple pages. I like I I remember when I joined on the first day, I took over as an ADC, I was

given a checklist. >> Mhm. >> So, the checklist was I think around 11,

12 pages of checklist. >> 12 pages of checklist. >> Yes. It's a huge checklist.

>> like hundreds of things. >> Yes. That is why you like with the passage of

time, now you know it. Now I know it by heart. Oh. So, if I close my eyes and think of an

event, what from the like I said, getting down and getting back in. I know each and every step the President of

India will take and what should what could go wrong. So, we have the checklist for the same.

>> Interesting. That's So, okay, when you do all of these things

you have to be prepared, right? You have to become somebody who can manage these things. It's not very easy to do it.

How do you become ADC? >> Okay, how do we become? So, >> Like how how do they decide that okay,

this person we need to hire as an ADC? That's one of the most important jobs in the country.

>> Yes. So, for this, uh you know, the army

or the navy or the air force, any any service, they prepare or they shortlist the eligible officer. So, there's a

criteria for an ADC. There's a particular service bracket, there's a particular age, and particular

uh you know, appearance. Uh there are standards which are set. All those people who fall in those

standards, there's a list of officers who are prepared, shortlisted officers. Then from those shortlisted officers,

the army headquarters or the naval or the air force headquarters takes the interview.

>> Mhm. >> Out of those >> What is the standard?

>> Uh roughly around 30 people are shortlisted, 30 officers. >> But what is on what basis?

>> It's on their career or how they have performed, their courses, and their physical standards, their

ACRs, their confidential reports, their feedback in the environment, and their merit.

>> Okay. Bunch of things combined. >> Bunch of things combined. >> holds the highest?

>> There's no one. Everything is So, that is why it is shortlisted. Who falls in the criteria,

the list of of people are prepared, officers are prepared. >> Okay, the 30 officers.

>> Say, for example, 30. I think roughly around 20 to 30 officers are shortlisted. And then the

particular service headquarters takes the interview. >> Tell me what did you what did they ask

you? Example. >> Domestic issues, current affairs, domestic issues. Give

me a situation, what would I do in this situation? >> But why is it important for you to know?

You're just a manager, right? >> But I will handle things. I should be aware happening if the

president if I'm with the president of India and she asked me a question. Cuz I'm the always I will always be with

the president. If she says, "Oh, what's happening in Delhi?"

What's the You should know. >> I should know. >> So, you need to be updated with all the

current affairs in the world, in the country. >> Yes.

>> So, that if she asks you anytime, you have to This is also part of your job. >> Part of the job.

So, imagine the amount of preparedness we need to have every day when we put on a uniform and go in front of the

president, we have to be prepared for the day. And what has happened in the past day because the moment we see or

meet the president in the morning or whatever time of the day, whatever happened in the last moment

when we last saw her or you know, like met her, whatever has happened in

between that time, we need to be aware of. Is she aware? We don't know.

Is she Will she ask? We don't know. But if she asks, if she wants to have that information, she should not be waiting

for the information. That is a level of precision we need to have. So, after our working hours, the most of

our time is spent on preparing for next day. You have to We sit together, all the ADC

sit together while we have our food or have a cup of coffee in the evening. We watch news,

open up internet, read. The best habit about the ADC is they read a lot. Whatever is happening globally,

domestically, they read a lot and they they know each and every thing. They have to know. There's no other option.

>> Because >> That is your job, man. You have to know that.

>> So, now that you know about the world, okay. So, this is what is being checked in an interview.

>> This is one part of the interview. >> And then >> are situations given, different

situations can be given. Like, what if if you're traveling in a car and a car breaks?

>> Mhm. >> Just normal. You don't have an expertise in that, but what would a normal human

do? So, the interviewers, the people who are taking the interview, they have the parameters set, which is never

disclosed. We can't tell them. But they have no key we can give them these situations. A normal human would

react this. If that the person who we whom we are interviewing if the response are some

somewhat similar to that, I mean, he or she can make it when the thing times go bad. So, out of those 30

people, five are selected by the army at college. >> Uh based on interviews?

>> Interviews. >> And situational >> Situational awareness, situations are

given, answers, replies, the multiple checks [clears throat] and balances done. So, five of them selected, and

then those five officers are brought to Delhi. >> Mhm.

>> Now, they spend roughly around 14 days in Rashtrapati Bhavan, and for 14 days their interviews are conducted.

>> 14 days interviews every day? >> Every day. >> What are these interviews?

>> The interviews are taken by the officers in the presidential secretariat.

>> So, but what are they trying to test? >> Everything. So, they know what can go wrong, what sort of requirement is in

the job, like whatever I've told, knowledge, situational awareness, you know, like contingency planning,

what would you do in a difficult situation. So, all these things are assessed. And by meeting a person just

like once, you can't assess whether it will do because everyone is prepared, coming prepared.

You know, you need to know the natural instinct of a human being. With one meeting, you can't find it out.

So, there are multiple checks and balances. When the interviews goes on, it goes on for hours and hours. Like the

long I remember when my interview was going on, one of the interviews, one of the senior

officers took my interview, and it went on for 2 and 1/2 hours. I was just sitting and answering the questions,

situations he's giving me, ask questions he's asking me, and I'm answering that. I can't answer everything.

In the end, I am also human. I can't remember everything because I'm not prepared for

>> Yeah. >> all this. I've never done that. >> Mhm.

>> But then yes, out of asking all these questions, he's trying to find out who I really am.

Whether I will be able to take the responsibility of the job. They put pressure in the interviews. Do I Will I

be able to handle that pressure? Yes or no? So, there are certain questions which we are prepared. We need

to find these in a human. And when people come for an interview, they are prepared. They will show the best of

their >> Mhm. >> side. But we want to know the negative

side. >> Mhm. >> And then when the Because in difficult

situations, when the contingency will arise, the negative things comes first. >> True.

What was your negative thing? >> What was my negative thing? I think

uh Negative thing I I don't think so. I found myself negative yet. There was a

situation where I was not I I never used to read a lot. >> Mhm.

>> Geopolitics was my negative thing. >> Okay. >> And now it is my positive thing.

>> And that was [clears throat] your weakness. That is >> my weakness. Yes, of course.

>> You were not aware about the current affairs. >> Or each and everything I was not aware

because I've been serving in the army. I'm generally or most of the times I am out

of network areas, away from the family, away from the phone, away from the internet. I'm not getting to know what

is happening in the country. And when I come back in the network area, I want to relax, have a freshen up my mind,

fulfill my family responsibilities, and then go back. >> Mhm.

>> So, the prioritization of things in my life I just told you. Is sub me there was no place for Okay, I

need to learn about what's happening in Say for example, Middle East. >> Mhm.

>> That is not my immediate priority. >> True. >> So, that was my weakness. I didn't used

to read a lot, but now I read a lot. >> Mhm. >> And what did they tell you then?

If that was a weakness and you were not aware. >> They ask you. They find it out.

>> Uh, and then they ask you. >> because now it is 14 days, so you on the first, second, third day you'll get I

get to know that oh, I'm not able to answer these this part. >> So, you'll go study and

>> I'll go study. I go back. In the night I'll open my internet, open my laptop, use the internet, read about things

happening. And dhire dhire, over the next couple of days, they see the improvement. And they don't tell you

that you need to improve this. Are you improving on your own? Are you taking the responsibility to improve yourself

is what we're looking for. >> And they test that. >> They test that.

And the tests are being done by different uh officers. The There are multiple

organizations within the presidential secretariat. See, officers, everyone discusses it.

Then uh we come down to a conclusion. So, there's only one vacancy.

One ADC goes out and the other one comes in to relieve. So, when the 30 shortlisted officers were interviewed,

the vacancy was one. We have to select one individual. And that one has to be in such a mental

state that he's able to adapt uh to the changing environment, changing surroundings, and he's able to take the

responsibility of the presidential requirements. >> Do they try to break you down mentally

by putting some pressure? >> Yes, of course. >> What? What do they do?

>> Uh just give you a situation. At two and a half hours or for example, an hour long session we are having. I'm

continuously asking questions. >> Mhm. >> I know you're weak in that.

>> Mhm. >> I know you're weak in that because I in the beginning only I came to know your

weaknesses towards the geopolitics. But I'll again and again ask those questions.

>> Three hours I'll just ask this, irritate you. >> I will every second or third questions

I'll irritate you. Now you have that pressure key I'm not able to answer. I'm not able to answer.

You give a put a human in that situation. That is how you train your mind.

>> Mhm. How we train our juniors or we were also trained the same way. So, we put them in a pressure where they

feel I'm not able to answer. I feel ashamed. I need to do this something.

And then that thing comes from inside. We go back and we are ashamed that we were not able to answer our seniors.

And if he is there, he had done it, I can also do it. >> True.

>> That's a positive ego. That's a positive mindset. So, we go back, eat our food and read that I want to do that next

time he asks if he asked me 100 questions, at least I'll answer 20. >> Mhm.

>> If I was not able to answer two, I will answer 20. >> [snorts]

>> And do they check backgrounds? >> Of course.

>> What >> Background is checked on multiple levels.

>> What verification do they do? What backgrounds do they check? >> Um

character. >> How do they find out character? >> Uh there are people, agencies,

complaints. So, if like I'm I I was about to join, so my initial background since my childhood, where have I done my

schooling from, with people whom I've been what I've been ever involved with, have I done something wrong in my past,

has the complaint been raised, >> Mhm. >> am I there's any case going on against

me, everything is checked, even my family background is checked. Because you're putting a young human at

such a big place and a responsibility, you need to be clear of each and everything. You can't take risk that

some rogue man who tried to, you know, manipulate people and sh- tried to hide and was successful in

hiding his own na- nature, now he ends up he or she ends up in a situation, now he can do anything.

>> At the most powerful >> At the most powerful place. They're the closest to the senior dignitaries of the

government of India. You don't want to do that. >> Do people come and try to bribe you?

>> No. >> Why? At that position because you're close to

>> So, like the I've told you my entire day's schedule. So, when someone whom we don't know or people generally come up

they try to be friends with. Of course. Like they don't try to be a friend but yes of course let's go have a cup of

coffee. Have a food at our place. But if you don't know them then we also know

there's something fishy. Why will someone randomly come up and start having hosting me a dinner or host me a

coffee. Or would want key. Just normal friends fascination.

>> Why how? >> I don't know I'm asking you. >> So that is we know we are at a position

where we can be manipulated by people. We can be exploited by people because we are young people can there's a natural

tendency or a thought process. That they are young people we can manipulate them.

People get excited. But that is how you know like the selection process I thought I I spoke

about that puts the filters in. Now I know there are checks and balances my inner.

Self gives me an alarm. Why? You don't know him. You never knew him before. You met him here.

And even if you go out of a cup of coffee the moment you come to know that he's seeking something out of you cut

it. Sorry. Our work we leave.

Because we know they are trying to exploit us. >> Has anyone tried to do that?

>> Yes of course. They have people have tried to come up be friends with me. I'm I'm saying for the personal yes

they've come. And spoken to me tried to be friends with me. But the moment I realized key

this is not a friendship they're seeking. >> Mhm.

>> But the end result is different. I know. >> Yeah. >> I know why someone will be my friend. I

know. I can make it out. It's experience you get.

>> Yeah. >> Initially when I joined I didn't have that experience so my senior always have

like the seniors always have eyes on the younger ADCs. Where are they going out and meeting

whom? >> Mhm. >> We keep a track.

The moment he or she realizes. That are they being manipulated? Because manipulation is there some

people people who can manipulate people, young people. We don't want to be ending up in a situation of getting

shame >> Mhm. >> for the individual, for the president of

India, and for the association or the organization we have. So, it's a big long process. Yes, it has

happened with me. And cut off. That's my easy way. I don't know. I don't reply to them. I don't

speak to them. >> But directly somebody has not tried to bribe you.

>> No. >> There was like >> Everyone is afraid. Because they don't

know I do or or not. The best part uh is that I'm young. I have aim. I have goals and aspirations, and I have moral

values. >> Mhm. But they don't know that yet, right?

>> But they're scared. Uniform people. Because this position, this place is way too big.

>> Yeah. Which is true. The moment they are also anyone, I would say I don't know who,

but if I if I put me in the opposite position, I would be very scared.

>> Everyone would be very scared. >> Everyone would be scared. You can't trust a younger in like how

what moral ethical values he or she holds. The moment I go go out and say oh, this guy came up and did this, his

entire career is lost. >> Fair. >> And I'm at a such a position where I can

tell anything and it will be accepted. I have some figures. And young people, motivated young people who are working

with an aim, they will not, you know, like accept all these things.

>> True. They'll and they will also do set an example. >> Yes.

>> Make sure that you get ruined so that other people are not approached by you. >> So, we have a personal life also. And

the time I told you, we get a very limited time for ourselves, for our families. Up is sub may when someone

tries to do that, and we get to know that we are being played upon, we teach them a lesson.

We need to. This had to be stopped. This has to be stopped. I am of the firm opinion this has to be stopped.

>> I don't appreciate it. Any ADC serving or who has served has never

appreciated it and will not do it ahead. >> Do you Do you

>> [snorts] >> in your personal life, do you look at other people, friends,

and probably potential partner with distrust? That maybe the girl who's trying to

probably talk to you, become your friends, you don't know what ulterior motive

Do you see Do you look at everyone with distrust? >> Personally,

>> Mhm. >> I'm telling you my personal opinion, I see everyone with distrust.

Until I gain that confidence and trust, I always have that one day the person who's

sitting in front of me will backstab me. Now I'm prepared for the contingency. I don't have expectations.

You show me your colors, I'm prepared. Because my mind has already accepted that the video going to be there. I'm

going to be betrayed. So now I plan my things accordingly.

Other than my parents and my childhood friends whom I've known for a while, people who I meet new, I don't trust

them. I do not trust them. Even if they commit and promise me anything,

I don't. >> Is it >> I always know that they one day they're

going to go back and do something which will bring shame for me.

I'm prepared for that. So I will play along, let them show their colors, and then

>> Is it a bad way to live? >> No, it's not a >> Because you are like paranoid in your

head that okay, maybe your partner, your girlfriend, your wife, your husband, your boyfriend, whoever

No, can't turn out to be >> Girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, you've spent a time and gained that confidence.

You spent >> But in the beginning in the beginning >> yes, of course, until you gain that

trust. But I'll always be looking upon them with a fishy eyes. >> What is the reason?

>> Yes, of course. That I think I would say that is how my mindset have been built by the army. Always be alert, always be

prepared for the contingencies. Always be ready that things go will go bad. If you're ready for things will go bad, so

you don't have expectations and you're prepared. I'm sure. But it's going to be me again. I'm prepared.

>> Do you do background checks on anyone trying to come close to you? >> Yes.

If I was talking to like I was talking to you right now, I do that.

>> So you must have done a background check on me as well. >> And then ask couple of friends who know

me. >> You're a good man, man. I trust you. So yes, of course I read about you. I

spoke to people. I tried to find out. And I tried to read about you. I saw I saw most of your I think I in the last

two three days I've seen your 10 or some podcasts. Imagine at least it goes for an hour, more than an hour I've spent 10

hours on you watching you. So I analyze. That is my natural instinct. The organization, the

training, the things happened in life have taught me this. >> Which is?

Man, it must be it must be very stressful to live like that. I live Okay, it's a very different work, so I

can't even compare, but I'm telling you as a human being, I trust people. And I upfront trust people. I love

In fact, I don't trust people but I'm like okay, out of the thousand people this person is bad, others are right.

Like in my head I'm like that person. So I can't imagine how you live like how you live with

>> I I used to be like that before. Something to trust, but then you know the organization, the training teaches

you not to trust blindly. >> But have you ever have you been

betrayed? >> No, I don't think so. Not yet. >> [laughter]

>> I don't want to be betrayed, but not yet. >> But this has become your normal way of

operating. Tell me what when you when you meet president, right? There's a protocol for

other people to meet as well. >> Yes. >> I've seen that ceremony where they give

the president award, right? Everybody comes in a certain way, they practice in a certain way, they bow down, then they

receive. Why is that important? Ceremonial, like everything is very ceremonial.

>> Yes, it is ceremonial because there has to be a procedure to that. If you don't Okay, so for example, I'll

give you a contradicting question, contradicting example to this. If I don't tell them how to do, someone

will come and directly come up to the president. >> Mhm.

>> So you know, you would have seen the award ceremonies which are conducted in Rashtrapati Bhavan. There's a procedure,

they rise from their chair, go to the center, stand there, they wish the president, and then they come up, take

the award. >> Mhm. >> Right? If I don't make them do in a

particular way, anyone would just There'll be a chaos. Somebody would be going coming directly, stand rising from

the right They'll rise from the chair, move up to the president, and snatch it from the president.

You don't want that because the entire country, and in fact people outside are also watching.

You You don't want to bring shame, no? You can't >> is the protocol? Like what do you teach

them? >> So we >> Let's say I am coming to

meet the president, and president's are going to give me award. What will you tell? What is the protocol?

>> Okay, so if you're coming to take an award, so there'll be an award ceremony which is conducted inside the

Rashtrapati Bhavan. Like the civil defense civil investiture ceremony and the defense investiture ceremonies that

conducted. So for example, if you've come and you've come to take an award, I will first show you your place to sit.

The award There's a specific place where the awardees sit, and in front the audience sits, the family members of the

awardees. >> [snorts] >> Then I'll tell you once your name is

announced, you will rise from your chair, come in the center of the hall. And face the president because now you

have to receive the award from the president of India. While [snorts] you're standing there,

your citation will be read. What have you done? Why are you getting this award? It will be read on the live

television so that anyone who's watching or sitting knows what you've done. Once your citation is read, then you

will walk up to the president and receive the award.

Now, while you're receiving the award, you look either to left or right because the media is standing there. We need to

get a picture done. So, you and the president will look towards one side where the media is there so that we can

have a picture. Once you receive it, you just say thank you. It's a normal courtesy. There's no We never tell

anyone to bow. There's no courtesy There's This has never been a tradition, I think, and

this I never did it and never it will happen ahead because we always tell to say

thank you. It's a normal human gesture. But, everyone bows. It's a, you know, like when in India,

when you do namaste, you bow like this. >> respect. >> It's a respect you tell show it to your

elders. And because two people are doing that, everybody's like, "Okay, that's maybe the right way to do it." And

that's why everybody follows. But, then it depends upon the, you know, like the community, their own

cultural drives. Some people bow a lot or bend a lot. So, it it seems like they're bowing to the president, but

there's no need to bow. But, yes, of course, you would greet the president. It's a normal courtesy as you

would greet your elders at your home. You always do namaste with a head a slightly bent because they are your

elders. It's the same. Now, the way of doing differs from

individual to individual and then it is perceived as like they're bowing. We have not We're not doing the bowing

thing. And then, how do [clears throat] they go out then? Okay, so you've received the award, you

would just take one step back, say thank you to the president for giving me this award. You turn around and go towards

your seat. And you sit down. That is how if 10 people are getting awards, that is how

the 10 people would be getting their awards. >> And then they keep sitting until the

president leaves? >> Uh >> Or can they walk out?

>> No, they can't walk out because your fellow awardees are yet to be given awards. You can't It'll be a disrespect.

Everyone is sitting there with equal level of respect. That is why they are awarded on national uh level.

So, for example, if you we both are sitting there, hm you receive an award and I'm sitting there and I'm yet to

receive an award. How bad would it look? >> would be bad, but I'm just asking like

is there a protocol or is there a rule that people can't walk out? >> They can't. If there's an emergency,

yes, of course, they can't. If anything >> So, it's not a rule. It's just an unsaid >> Unse- No, we tell them.

>> Okay, you tell them. >> You We tell them. If there's an emergency, someone might feel bad

health-wise or anything is there, you may rise and go behind the chairs. But, there's no need to do that unless

it's emergency because everyone of the government of India, senior official, dignitaries, and your fellow awardees

are sitting there. You won't do that to your own fellow people. >> Hm.

>> You don't want to disrespect everyone because you've earned it. Everyone there has earned it. It's a respect. We show

it to everyone. That is why we tell them, "Please be seated until the president leaves." You can't leave the

premises and then come back in. >> Okay, you would leave and then leave. Like you can't come in.

>> The I said the premises. So, you're sitting in a hall. They've uh the hall will have washrooms

inside, but you can't leave the building >> and then come >> and then go.

>> But, you can go to the washroom and come back. >> course. That That's a normal norm. We

have eyes. >> No. That's >> Security eyes are there. Everyone will

be looking at everyone. That is the main and the good job of the security personnel. They look at each

each and every >> So, that's not a rule. >> Okay. That's not a rule. No, there's not

a rule. >> Is there Like do you announce something before

the president comes? >> Yes, the honorable president of India. >> What do you announce? Like just I just

>> Is there a formal announcement? What exact words do you announce? >> We announce, "Ladies and gentlemen, the

honorable president of India." >> Is here. >> Yes, that that's it. The moment she's

about to enter, as of now. The moment the president of India is about to enter the hall or the room, and

people are sitting there, we announce, "Ladies and gentlemen, the president." So, as a courtesy, people rise and

>> Yeah, everybody stands. >> Everybody stands and say, "Namaste." They do namaste.

>> Mhm. >> It's a courtesy they extend. We don't tell them there's no compulsion. You

don't want You don't want to stand, so you don't You can't You have to stand. There's no compulsion.

>> Okay, if somebody doesn't stand, it's okay. >> But, people are not so, you know, like

>> No, there's some country head can show this as a power move that I don't stand. >> They can.

>> Like they've done this, right? Our country people have also done that. Other people have also done that.

>> It's normal, natural. >> Mhm. >> It It is no

>> Can I not rise for anyone? >> If you don't rise, what will What can I do? I can't ask you to leave.

>> Huh. >> It's your personal choice. If you want to disrespect, you won't You will be

looked upon as a disrespectful human being. >> Mhm.

>> You wouldn't want [clears throat] to do that. Until you have something against the human

>> That can also be a fame gaining opportunity for some >> To get eyes on yourself?

>> Huh. >> Of course. >> That's like a lot of people would

>> That is just we announce, "Ladies and gentlemen, the honorable president of India." And as we announce the ending

part, the president enters the hall. >> And who checks? Like, is it you

who will check the car that president will be sitting in or the hall she will enter? Or is it the security people who

will tell you and you trust them that they've checked? >> So, the checking is done by the security

personnel. It is their responsibility. Each and everything they go into detail. I, on the other hand, I am planning and

tying up the protocol part. >> Got it.

>> The flow of the event. >> Mhm. >> How and what will the president do? What

all you will do? >> Uh >> I will just brief them. While I'm doing

this, the security is working their part. >> So, you just assume that the security

must have done the good job. >> do it and they give us okay. Now, it is ready. Once we take an okay from them,

all okay, then we inform the president that ma'am, everything is ready. We can go.

>> Who checks the car before the she sits in? Because there'll be different cars or she there's only one car she sits in

all the time. >> Oh, she we have two cars, one spare car and one main car for the president.

Dedicatedly, we have two two cars as of now. So, the car we is there's a garage

superintendent who's responsible for the maintenance of the car. The cars have to be in the running

condition. So, the number one car, the main car comes, it stands outside the main building from where the president

will sit in the car. Once the car is there, the security personnel check first.

They check it, they give us okay that there is no threat in this car. Then we go inside. Before we conduct the

president, we go have a look in the car that things are organized, things are kept as per her requirements.

And if there anything is wrong, that is the final check we do in the car. And then we conduct the car president to the

car. >> And but in other other states, other cities,

the same car goes? >> No. So, the car which is in Delhi, we can't

take that car to say, for example, Kerala or So, because the president is the state head.

>> Mhm. >> The security, the welcome, the travel, everything is the responsibility of the

individual state. So, for example, we flew from Delhi to Bombay.

So, now the president is the guest of the state of Maharashtra.

>> Mhm. >> So, it is the responsibility of the government of Maharashtra to provide a

car for the president. >> Got it. >> And the security and everything is done

by the state of Maharashtra government of Maharashtra. They are responsible for that. Anything goes wrong, the

union or the central government will take the government of Maharashtra responsible for it.

We do the liaisoning part. >> Mhm. >> But the security agencies are doing

their own part. >> But you will give your technical radar that these are the things that you want

in the car [snorts] and this is it. And do you do the last inspection or you just trust the head of police of

Maharashtra who would just tell you was like >> We trust we trust the security agencies.

If we are traveling outside of Delhi, we trust the security agencies. They are doing their job perfectly fine.

>> Like how in US they have one car. Or maybe multiple versions of the same car but that car goes everywhere. Like

even if they come to do different country the president travel it's they they it

is particularly country to country choice. >> We don't do that.

>> We don't do that. >> We we don't even take our cars to other countries.

>> Uh we don't know. >> For prime minister, no? >> Uh for prime minister, I'm not sure. I'm

not aware of that but for the president, we don't take the car. The president goes as the guest of the

country. >> Mhm. >> See, we went [clears throat] to the

Portugal, we went to New Zealand, we went to Fiji or whatever we country you're going, we are the guest being

hosted by the So, responsibility of the president of India becomes

that of the hosting country. They are responsible. If anything goes wrong with our president, they will be

held accountable for that. >> Got it. And

what's fascinating to me when I look at you, right? Every time you're just right next to the president is the uniform.

Like there are so many elements on the uniform. I want to understand what that uniform is. I want to pick up each every

piece and tell me what is that. Okay, is that okay? Can I put that up? >> yes, of course, of course.

>> Tell me, why are there different colors in uniform? There is a

>> Colors. >> Yeah, like there's white color, then there's olive.

>> So, okay, uh in the military uniform you're talking about? >> In your uniform also, no? Like you I've

seen you wearing the darker one and the lighter one, both. >> Okay, so the lighter one which is the

white one which you can you see here, white is used during the summers mhm and the darker one, blue, is used during the

winters. >> Okay, these are the only two uniforms you have as an ADC or you have other

colors? >> We have other colors like you see this one.

>> This color you're saying? >> Yeah, this color. This is olive green, dark olive green.

>> Mhm. >> This is the regular color of the summer uniform of Indian Army. It's half

sleeves. Olive green. Olive green is because Army works on ground, ground, grass.

That's why green. >> Okay. So, let's say this is This is dark blue.

>> This is No, this is gray. This color showing is coming up as dark blue, but this is olive green. It's

olive dark olive green. >> Okay. >> It's same, same, and same.

>> Okay. >> This is also the same. 1 2 3 4 are all same.

>> So, you have white and this? >> We have So, this is regular working dress. So, now the one which I'm wearing

here is a winter ceremonial dress. >> Mhm. >> [snorts]

>> It's only worn on ceremonial occasions, national events. >> Like Republic Day or

>> Republic Day parade or you would wear it while in a banquet. >> Okay.

>> winters, so you would wear this. And the similar there's a white one. >> Mhm.

>> Which the previous one you had a picture I wear a white one in the similar attire. So, that is during the summer.

That's summer ceremonial dress. >> Got it. And then full time you have to wear this. When can you wear this like

not in This is not uniform. >> No, this is not uniform. I met the honorable president a couple of days

back. This I came in unofficial capacity. >> Got it. So, every time you are on

official duty you have to wear uniform? >> Uniform. >> be in your

>> Uh no, we can't be. So, we generally put on you know, like the track suits

when the president goes for a walk in the morning. So, we walk we go along with the the duty ADC walk along with

the president. That time we do not put on uniform. We are in our track suits.

>> Got it. And so, on your uniform what I can see there are so many things. What does each of them signify?

What's Where do we start? You you choose. >> So we start from the head.

>> Okay. [snorts] >> Okay. So this is peak cap. This is worn only during

the ceremonial occasions. In army also the officers and even in the uniformed any uniform force the