The Rise of Col Qureshi: Duty, Grit, and Honour

When Colonel Sophia Qureshi addressed the media on Wednesday about the successful execution of ‘Operation Sindoor’, she stood not only as a decorated officer but as a symbol of India’s evolving military landscape — a pioneer, a strategist, and a role model for future generations.

Born in 1981 in Vadodara, Gujarat, Colonel Qureshi hails from a family steeped in military tradition. Her grandfather served in the Indian Army, her father was with the EME Corps and fought in the 1971 war, and her father’s maternal grandfather served in the British Army before joining the 1857 uprising. 

“My grandfather and my father were both in the army. My father was with the EME Corps in Vadodara and even served during the 1971 war. My father's maternal grandfather also served in the British Army and later participated in the 1857 freedom struggle,” said her brother, Sanjay Qureshi.

Sophia represents the third generation in her family to wear the uniform. She grew up in Vadodara’s Tandalja locality alongside her three brothers and a sister, completing her schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, EME. She later pursued a BSc in Chemistry (1992–1995) and an MSc in Biochemistry (1995–1997) at the Faculty of Science, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. 

“She was even pursuing her PhD, but learning about the recruitment of women officers in the Indian Army, she quit the PhD programme and joined the forces,” Sanjay added.

Sophia was selected to join the Indian Army in her very first attempt in 1999, choosing national service over several opportunities abroad and an early ambition to work with the DRDO and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. As a member of the Corps of Signals, she rose steadily through the ranks, guided by a sense of duty, discipline, and innovation.

In 2006, she was deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission. There, she was involved in training roles focused on peacekeeping operations and humanitarian mine action. 

“She knows I live my dream of being an Army officer through her. So, when she landed in Congo (on the UN mission), she called me and made me hear the sounds of the firing and bombing and asked, ‘Shyna, Can you hear these sounds? These are sounds of firing.’ I told her to be careful as it could hit her,” said her twin sister, Shyna Sunsara.

Although Shyna, now a co-owner of a film production house in Mumbai, once aspired to join the Army herself and participated in the NCC, she was not selected. 

“Originally, it was my dream to join the Army, but despite being in NCC and making all efforts, I did not get selected… I still regret it, but when I see her in the uniform, it feels like living my own dream through her,” she told a national daily. 

“We spoke yesterday and as a duty-bound Army officer that she is, she did not mention a word about what was to come this morning. It was a surprise for all of us, but a proud moment to see Sophia at this position. She always had the passion to do something for the country. Although she wanted to join the DRDO, be a scientist and work with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. She had many offers from the US too, but she wanted to stay back in India and join the Army.”

Growing up, Sophia and Shyna absorbed stories of courage from their grandmother, particularly about Rani Laxmibai, fostering a shared love for the country. 

“When we settled in Vadodara after our father’s retirement, Army discipline and patriotism remained at the foundation of our family values. If our parents were given a choice, all five siblings — an elder brother and two younger brothers — would have ended up in the Army,” said Shyna.

Despite not being involved in sports or NCC herself, Sophia’s academic focus and commitment to discipline set her apart. “My sister was a serious student all her life. She did not participate in sports, neither did she take up NCC, but today she has been elevated in a commanding position in the Indian Army,” Shyna said. 

“Even when we meet, she constantly speaks about what she can do within the Army for the women officers or bring in some innovation or different ideas… She is a go-getter.”

Sophia’s landmark achievements include becoming the first Indian woman officer to lead an Army contingent in a United Nations peacekeeping mission and the first woman to command an Indian Army training unit at the multinational Force 18 exercise, which includes ASEAN Plus nations. 

Notably, she was the only female commander across all participating countries. In 2016, Southern Army Commander Lt Gen Bipin Rawat praised her performance, stating that the Army offers equal opportunity and responsibility to all personnel, regardless of gender.

She is married to an officer in the Mechanised Infantry, further embedding military values into her personal life.

Her most recent and high-profile role came during Operation Sindoor. On Wednesday, she briefed the press alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. 

“Nine terrorist facilities were eliminated. The selected targets were based on reliable intelligence and their confirmed involvement in cross-border terrorism. No military infrastructure belonging to Pakistan was engaged during Operation Sindoor,” she said.

Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The Indian Air Force conducted precision strikes on four terror sites within Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. 

The Ministry of Defence described the operation as “focused, measured and non-escalatory,” adding that no Pakistani military infrastructure was targeted. 

“These actions are in direct response to the horrific Pahalgam attack. We are upholding our commitment to ensure that those responsible for the attack face consequences,” the Ministry stated. 

A video confirming the mission’s success was later released, with Pakistani authorities reportedly taken by surprise.

Colonel Qureshi remains deeply connected to her roots. Her last visit to Vadodara was in January 2025, when she met her former teachers at the Department of Biochemistry at MSU. 

In a statement released on Wednesday, MSU acknowledged her achievements with pride. “Her visit was an inspiring moment for students and staff alike, reaffirming the deep-rooted values of academic excellence and national service that MSU stands for. Her presence at the Department earlier this year and her leadership today on the battlefield are part of the same continuum of excellence. Col. Sophia Qureshi stands as a beacon of inspiration for every student of MSU Baroda,” said Professor Hitesh Raviya, Officer on Special Duty (Public Relations and Communication).

Dhanesh Patel, the in-charge Vice Chancellor of the university, added, “Today is a moment of immense pride for MSU Baroda. Col. Qureshi’s leadership in Operation Sindoor reflects not only her individual brilliance but also the university’s enduring commitment to nation-building through education and character.”

Despite her rising profile and increased responsibilities, Colonel Qureshi remains private and security-conscious. “She is also very particular about what we share on social media about her. She calls me and immediately asks me to delete any posts or photos that could reveal her location,” Shyna said. 

“She travels to Vadodara often to meet the family… But ever since she was recently elevated in the ranks and handed more responsibility, she has not come as often as earlier.”

Reacting to the terror attack and India's response, Shyna added, “Terrorism should not be given the colour of religion. Terrorism cannot be tolerated as it ends humanity and economies… People’s minds get corrupted due to such acts. I am proud of the country and the decision to respond to the terror act was a befitting one.”

To young women aspiring to serve the country, Colonel Qureshi had a simple and direct message: “If possible, join the Indian Army.”

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