Motivational Desk, Delhi Magazine: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is a distinguished officer in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, renowned for her groundbreaking achievements and dedicated service.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1981 in Vadodara, Gujarat, Colonel Qureshi hails from a family with a strong military background. Her grandfather served in the Indian Army as a religious teacher, instilling in her the values of discipline and patriotism from an early age. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Master of Science in Biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University in 1997.
Military Career
In 1999, Colonel Qureshi joined the Indian Army through the Officers Training Academy, commissioning into the Corps of Signals. Her career has been marked by several notable milestones:
- United Nations Peacekeeping Mission (2006): She served in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of the UN Peacekeeping Operations, where she monitored ceasefires and supported humanitarian efforts. (The Financial Express)
- Exercise Force 18 (2016): Colonel Qureshi became the first Indian woman officer to lead a military contingent in a multinational exercise, commanding a 40-member team during Exercise Force 18, which involved 18 ASEAN Plus countries.
- Operation Sindoor (2025): She played a pivotal role in briefing the media about Operation Sindoor, a significant military operation launched in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam. The operation targeted and destroyed nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Personal Life
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s personal life reflects a harmonious blend of shared values, mutual respect, and a deep-rooted commitment to service. She is married to Major Tajuddin Qureshi of the Indian Army’s Mechanised Infantry. Their union is a testament to a partnership built on common ideals and a shared dedication to the nation. Her twin sister, Shyna Sunsara, co-runs a film production house in Mumbai and has often expressed pride in Colonel Qureshi’s accomplishments. (The Indian Express)
Legacy
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s journey from Vadodara to becoming a trailblazer in the Indian Army serves as an inspiration to many. Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to service exemplify the evolving role of women in the armed forces.
