VADODARA: Vadodara swelled with pride on Wednesday morning as its illustrious daughter, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, took centre stage to address the nation on Operation Sindoor. The city's joy was palpable, matching the intensity of the morning's downpour.
Colonel Sofiya's story is a legacy of service and sacrifice that spans generations. As a third-generation military officer, she carries forward a proud family tradition that began with her grandfather, continued through her father Taj Mohammed Qureshi's service in EME Corps in Vadodara and even the 1971 war. "My father's maternal grandfather also served in the British Army and later participated in the 1857 freedom struggle," Colonel Sofiya's brother, Mohammed Sanjay Qureshi, one of her three brothers, told TOI. Colonel Sofiya also has a sister.
File photo of Col Sofiya Qureshi with her batchmates at MSU
The decorated officer has many laurels to her name. She was the first woman officer to command an army contingent in a multinational military exercise. Her leadership of the Indian team at ‘Exercise Force 18' in 2016 broke new ground, where she stood out as the only female commander among 18 participating contingents. Not to mention, this exercise was India's largest-hosted foreign military drill.
From the corridors of Kendriya Vidyalaya, EME, to the halls of M S University's (MSU) Faculty of Science, Colonel Sofiya's journey has been one of unwavering determination. She earned her BSc in chemistry in 1995 and MSc in biochemistry in 1997.
"She was pursuing PhD, but quit with just a year left after learning about women officers' recruitment in the Indian Army," her proud brother, Sanjay added. Her former classmates — Dr Vijayvargia Ravi, Dr Laxmipriya Nampoothiri, and Dr Devesh Suthar — now faculty members at MSU's Department of Biochemistry, too remember her as a brilliant student who chose to trade her research papers for the olive green uniform. "She visits our department whenever she is in the city," Dr Ravi, assistant professor at the department, said, adding that her last visit was in Jan.
Her impressive career includes six years with UN Peacekeeping Operations, where she worked tirelessly in conflict zones, monitoring ceasefires and supporting humanitarian efforts. Her service in the United Nations Mission in Congo (2006) further exemplifies her dedication to global peace and security. "Work hard for the country and make everyone proud," she once said, words that continue to inspire countless young women.
"You can say that patriotism runs in our blood. She wanted to become a professor, but has now donned the Indian Army's uniform," said her brother Mohammed Sanjay Qureshi, who, along with his father Taj Mohammed Qureshi, mother Hanima, and daughter Zara, addressed mediapersons in Vadodara.
"The entire family is proud of her achievement," he said, adding that his sister has become a role model for his own teenage daughter Zara, who has made up her mind to join the army. Taj Mohammed, himself an army veteran, said his family is concerned only about the country.
"I am proud of my daughter. My family has always followed the principle of ‘Vayam Rashtre Jagrayam' (we will keep the nation awake and alive). We are Indian first, and then Muslim. We are only concerned about our country," he said.
Colonel Sofiya's husband, Tajuddin, is an officer in the Mechanised Infantry of the Indian Army. "Even my daughter's son, who turned 18, is preparing to join the Indian Air Force," said Hanima, adding that she is proud that her daughter briefed the nation on Operation Sindoor. "Only women know the importance of ‘sindoor'," she said, adding that her daughter was inspired to join the forces by listening to stories of brave soldiers from her father.
(With inputs from Sachin Sharma)
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