Meet Colonel Sofiya Qureshi: The Brave Officer Who Led Operation Sindoor
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a brave Indian Army officer, played a key role in Operation Sindoor and is now a role model for young girls across India.
India recently carried out a major military operation called Operation Sindoor in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. In that attack, 26 innocent civilians lost their lives. One of the key heroes behind this mission was Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, an officer in the Indian Army.
A Proud Background
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi was born in Vadodara, Gujarat, in 1974. She comes from a strong Army family—both her father and grandfather were in the military. Since childhood, she wanted to serve the nation.
She studied science and completed her MSc in Biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University in 1997. In 1999, she joined the Indian Army through the Corps of Signals.
A Career of Many Firsts
Colonel Qureshi has had an inspiring career. In 2006, she was part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Congo. In 2016, she became the first Indian woman officer to lead an Army team in a big multinational exercise called Force 18, held in Pune. Many countries like the USA, Russia, China, and Japan had joined this exercise.
Before Operation Sindoor, she also trained new officers and worked in important roles within the Army.
Her Role in Operation Sindoor
After the terror attack in Pahalgam, India conducted airstrikes on terror camps across the Pakistan border. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi played a key role by co-leading the official media briefing. She spoke with calmness and confidence, explaining the mission clearly to the people of India.
Her strong leadership and clear communication were praised across the country. She showed that women are now leading from the front in the Indian Army.
Family and Personal Life
Colonel Qureshi is married to Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi, who is part of the Mechanised Infantry. Together, they are one of the few Army couples in active service in India.
She also has a twin sister, Dr. Shyna Sunsara, who is a fashion designer, model, economist, and environmentalist. Shyna says she is very proud of her sister’s bravery and love for the nation.
Awards and Recognition
In 2020, the Supreme Court of India praised Colonel Qureshi during a case about giving women permanent roles in the Army. Her name was taken as an example of a woman officer doing excellent work.
A Role Model for the Nation
Today, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is seen as a true role model for young girls who want to join the Army. Her journey proves that with courage and hard work, women can reach the highest levels in the Indian Armed Forces.
