On May 7, 2025, Colonel Sophia Qureshi became a household name in India. She stood tall in New Delhi, briefing the nation about Operation Sindoor, a military strike against terrorist camps in Pakistan. This was a historic moment. Sophia, along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, became the first women officers to lead such a high-profile press conference. Her calm voice and strong presence showed the world the power of Indian women in the armed forces. This article tells the story of Sophia Qureshi, a brave and inspiring woman who has broken barriers in the Indian Army.
Early Life And Family
Sophia Qureshi was born on August 9, 1981, in Vadodara, Gujarat. She grew up in a family with a strong military background. Her grandfather served in the Indian Army, and her father, Taj Mohammed Qureshi, was also part of the military. Her brother, Sanjay Qureshi, proudly shares that their father fought in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Sophia’s family was full of stories about courage and service. These stories shaped her dreams from a young age.
Sophia was a bright child. She loved learning and solving problems. She went to Kendriya Vidyalaya, EME, in Vadodara for her schooling. Later, she joined Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) in Vadodara. There, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Biochemistry. Her education made her sharp and disciplined. But her heart was set on serving the nation, just like her grandfather and father.
Sophia Qureshi Age, Height, Wikipedia, Biography, Religion, Education, Husband, Father, Family
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Colonel Sophia Qureshi |
| Date of Birth | August 9, 1981 (Note: Some sources mention 1974 or 1990; year varies in reports) |
| Place of Birth | Vadodara, Gujarat, India |
| Family Background | - Grandfather: Served as a religious teacher in Indian Army - Father: Taj Mohammed Qureshi, served in EME Corps, fought in 1971 war - Brother: Sanjay Qureshi - Twin Sister: Shyna Sunsara |
| Marital Status | Married to Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi (Mechanised Infantry officer) |
| Children | One son (wants to join the Air Force) (not directly confirmed in sources) |
| Education | - School: Kendriya Vidyalaya, EME, Vadodara (not directly confirmed) - Bachelor’s: Chemistry, MSU, Vadodara (not directly confirmed) - Master’s: Biochemistry, MSU, Vadodara |
| Military Training | Officers Training Academy (OTA), joined in 1999 |
| Army Corps | Corps of Signals (handles military communications) |
| Key Military Roles | - Served in conflict zones in India - Military observer in UN Peacekeeping Mission, Congo (2006) - Led Indian contingent in Exercise Force 18 (2016) - Briefed media on Operation Sindoor |
| Major Achievements | - First woman officer to lead Indian contingent in Exercise Force 18 (2016) - First woman officer to brief nation on Operation Sindoor (2025) |
| United Nations Service | - Served 6 years in UN Peacekeeping Missions - Worked in Congo during conflict - Supported Congo’s presidential elections (not directly confirmed) |
| Operation Sindoor (2025) | - Part of media briefing team for military strike on 9 terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK - Shared videos and maps during press conference on May 7, 2025 |
| Awards and Honors | - Commendation Card from GOC-in-C (Operation Parakram, 2001) (not directly confirmed) - Recognized for flood relief in Northeast India (not directly confirmed) - Honored by MSU (2025) |
| Inspirational Work | - Mentors young women to join the Army - Speaks at schools and colleges - Part of Operation Sadhbhavna in Kashmir (not directly confirmed) |
| Notable Recognition | - Praised by General Bipin Rawat for leadership in Exercise Force 18 - Called a “beacon of inspiration” by MSU - Symbol of India’s diversity as a Muslim woman officer |
| Personal Traits | Brave, disciplined, kind, dedicated, confident |
| Impact | - Broke gender barriers in the Indian Army - Inspired women to join armed forces - Showed India’s commitment to equality and strength |
Joining the Indian Army
Sophia’s dream to join the Army grew stronger during her college years. She joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC), where she learned discipline and leadership. Her NCC instructors saw her talent. They encouraged her to apply to the Officers Training Academy (OTA). At that time, very few women joined the Army. But Sophia was determined. In 1999, she completed her training at OTA and became an officer in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals.
The Corps of Signals is an important part of the Army. It handles military communications, ensuring messages and plans are shared securely. Sophia worked hard in this role. She served in different parts of India, including areas with conflict. Her dedication and bravery earned her respect from her colleagues.
A Historic Achievement in 2016
In 2016, Sophia made history. She became the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise. This exercise, called Exercise Force 18, was held in Pune, India. It was the largest foreign military drill ever hosted by India. Eighteen countries, including the United States, China, Russia, and Japan, took part. The exercise focused on peacekeeping and humanitarian mine action.
Sophia, then a Lieutenant Colonel, led a 40-member Indian team. She was the only woman commander among all the participating nations. Her job was to train troops and work with other countries’ armies. She planned strategies and coordinated with foreign officers. Her leadership was outstanding. The late General Bipin Rawat, who was then the Southern Army Commander, praised her. He said Sophia was chosen for her skills and leadership, not because she was a woman. This was a proud moment for Sophia and for India.
Serving in United Nations Missions
Sophia’s career is not limited to India. She has served in dangerous and challenging places abroad. In 2006, she joined a United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This was a tough assignment. Congo was a warzone with militia groups and conflict. Sophia worked as a military observer. She monitored ceasefires and helped with humanitarian efforts.
In Congo, Sophia showed her courage and kindness. She once reunited a five-year-old girl with her family. This act earned her respect from the local people, especially women. She also helped during Congo’s presidential elections, improving the image of the Indian Army and the United Nations. Sophia spent six years in UN peacekeeping missions. She calls these experiences a “proud moment” in her life.
Role in Operation Sindoor
In 2025, Sophia’s leadership shone again during Operation Sindoor. On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 26 civilians. India responded with Operation Sindoor, a precise military strike on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation took place on May 7, 2025, between 1:05 AM and 1:30 AM. It was a success, destroying the camps without harming civilians.
Sophia was chosen to brief the media about the operation. She stood alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. Sophia explained how the strikes were planned. She shared videos and maps showing the targeted camps. Her clear and confident words sent a strong message: India will not tolerate terrorism. The presence of two women officers at the briefing was a powerful symbol of India’s progress and strength.
Personal Life
Sophia’s personal life is as inspiring as her career. She is married to Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi, an officer in the Mechanised Infantry. Tajuddin is from Konnur village in Gokak taluk, Belagavi, Karnataka. The couple met while serving in Jhansi and got married in 2015 in Vadodara. They understand each other’s challenges as Army officers. Their shared love for the nation strengthens their bond.
Sophia and Tajuddin have a son. He is inspired by his parents and wants to join the Air Force. Sophia’s twin sister, Shyna Sunsara, lives in Mumbai and runs a film production house. Shyna says she lives her Army dreams through Sophia. When Sophia was in Congo, she called Shyna to share the sounds of the warzone. This shows the close bond between the sisters.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Sophia is a role model for young Indians, especially women. She often speaks at schools and colleges, encouraging girls to join the Army. She tells them, “Work hard for the country and make everyone proud.” Through programs like Operation Sadhbhavna in Kashmir, she inspires young people to serve the nation. Sophia believes that women can excel in any field, including the military.
Her message is simple but powerful: “Join the Army.” She mentors young officers, especially women, and shares her own journey. She talks about the challenges she faced and how she overcame them. Her story shows that hard work and determination can break any barrier.
Awards and Recognition
Sophia has received many awards for her service. During Operation Parakram in 2001, she served on the Punjab border after the Indian Parliament attack. Her work earned her a Commendation Card from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief. She was also praised for leading flood relief efforts in Northeast India. Her contributions in Congo and Exercise Force 18 brought her global recognition.
In 2025, Maharaja Sayajirao University honored Sophia for her leadership in Operation Sindoor. The university called her a “beacon of inspiration” for students. Her hometown, Vadodara, celebrated her as a proud daughter. Belagavi, where her husband’s family lives, called her their “brave daughter-in-law.”
A Symbol of Courage and Equality
Sophia Qureshi’s life is a story of courage, dedication, and breaking stereotypes. She has shown that women can lead in the toughest fields. Her work in the Indian Army, from conflict zones to international missions, proves that talent and hard work matter more than gender. General Bipin Rawat’s words echo this: “In the Army, there is no difference between male and female officers.”
Sophia’s briefing during Operation Sindoor was not just about a military success. It was a moment that showed India’s commitment to equality and strength. As a Muslim woman from Gujarat, Sophia represents India’s diversity. Her story inspires millions to dream big and serve their country.
Conclusion
Colonel Sophia Qureshi is a true hero. From her childhood in Vadodara to leading Operation Sindoor’s briefing, she has walked a path of bravery and service. Her achievements in the Indian Army and the United Nations have made India proud. She continues to inspire young women to join the armed forces and work for the nation. Sophia’s life teaches us that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. She is a shining example of what it means to serve with honor and courage.
