Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, an Indian Army officer from Vadodara, gained national attention after leading the official media briefing on ‘Operation Sindoor’. A proud representative of Gujarat, her journey stands as a powerful example of sacrifice, bravery, and unwavering patriotism.
A native of the Tandalja area in Vadodara, Sofiya chose the Indian Army over a PhD and even turned down a coveted job offer from the United Nations. “She asked me, ‘Grandfather and you have both served in the army; can I carry forward that tradition?’ I immediately said yes,” recalled her father, Taj Mohammad Qureshi, a retired army man. “I am proud that the third generation of our family is now in the army.”
“Whatever my daughter is doing, she is doing it for the nation. We must remember that we are Indians before being Hindu or Muslim,” he added.
Sofiya holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from the Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) of Baroda. Her former batchmate and former Science Faculty teacher, Devesh Suthar, remembers her as “a brilliant student with a deep interest in research.” He added, “She worked as a teaching assistant for some time before clearing the army entrance exam. Watching her speak for the nation was a proud moment for all of us.”
Prof Ratna Prabha, Head of the Biochemistry Department at MSU, shared that Sofiya visited the department earlier this year. “She spent an hour with us, and though students were not present that day, her visit meant a lot. She remains connected to her academic roots.”
Despite initial resistance from some in the community, her mother Alima Qureshi also fully supported her daughter’s decision to join the Army. “Some people didn’t like it, but now they are the ones calling to congratulate us,” she said. “If no one steps forward to defend the country, who will?”
Sofiya has also served in UN peacekeeping missions in countries like Congo. After that, the United Nations offered her a position, which she respectfully declined, choosing instead to stay in uniform. “She never leaves a task incomplete,” said her brother Mohammad Qureshi, who holds a Master’s in Genetic Engineering. “Even as a child, she showed determination. When she was eight, she fractured her leg while learning to cycle. But she was back on that seat the very next day—cast and all!”
Her patriotism runs deep. Her father expressed hope that India would reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, calling the recent strike “a fulfillment of our family’s purpose.” Sofiya herself kept her composure after the media briefing, calling home briefly to ask, “TV chalu karyu ne? Mane joyu?” (“Did you turn on the TV? Did you see me?”)
Fluent in Gujarati, Sofiya continues to stay closely connected to her roots in Vadodara. “She has even bought a house here,” her father said proudly.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s dedication to the nation is inspiring the next generation—her son Sameer is currently preparing to join the Indian Air Force. Her husband, Major Tajuuddin Qureshi, also serves in the Indian Army.
At a time when representation and courage hold great importance, Colonel Sofiya stands tall as a proud daughter of Vadodara—Vadodara ni dikri—leading by example and making her mark on the national stage.