When Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise, briefed the media on Operation Sindoor early on Wednesday morning, her twin sister Shyna Sunsara cried tears of joy, “vicariously living her dream” of becoming an Army officer.
Col Qureshi last visited her parents, settled in Vadodara, in January and met her teachers at the chemistry department of the Faculty of Science of MS University.
In a telephonic conversation with The Indian Express, Shyna, who co-runs a film production house in Mumbai, said, “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 Sofiya 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. She was chosen to be in the Army on her first attempt. 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.”
Shyna said that growing up in a family with a military background — their father and grandfather have both served in the Army — meant imbibing discipline and patriotism. “We grew up together, initially listening to stories of valour of Rani Laxmibai from our grandmother… 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. Sofiya has been dedicated to her duty, and there is no one like her. 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.”
Speaking at their residence in Vadodara, Col Sofiya’s father, Taj Mohammad, said, “We are first Indians and then Hindus or Muslims. I am very proud of Sofiya, as it is our value system… India should take back PoK because it belongs to India. No one has been able to take such a decision before that Prime Minister Modi has been able to do.”
Stating that Operation Sindoor would console the grieving families to an extent, Col. Sofiya’s mother, Halima Qureshi, said, “Only women who lose their sindoor (husbands) can understand the pain inflicted on them. What the government did to avenge (Pahalgam) was needed… There is more reply to be given back to Pakistan… When we spoke to Sofiya after the media briefing, she only said, ‘Did you see the news?’… Both our daughters heard stories of valour from their paternal grandmother and were enchanted about joining the Army. Now Sofiya’s son is also preparing to join the Air Force.”
Born in 1981 in Vadodara, Col Qureshi completed her B.Sc. in Chemistry and M.Sc. in Biochemistry in 1997 from the Faculty of Science, MSU Baroda. She joined the Indian Army in 1999 and has since risen through the ranks. She earlier became the first Indian woman officer to lead an Army contingent in a United Nations peacekeeping mission.
Shyna recalled that when Col Sofiya was sent to Congo in 2006 as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, she called her sister from the warzone. “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… Once, I visited her in Kashmir and other officers asked if I was intimidated. Sophia came forward and told them how I am fearless and wanted to join the Army.”
Shyna, who is also an alumnus of MS University’s Department of Economics, said that although Col Sofiya visits Vadodara often, Sofiya has been “busy since her new posting”. She 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. 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… We feel she was meant to be where she is… our three brothers chose their own fields and I became a model. 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.”
Speaking about the Pahalgam attacks and Operation Sindoor, Shyna said, “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.”
On Wednesday, in a statement, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda “proudly acknowledged the exemplary leadership” Col Sofiya Qureshi.
In a statement, MSU said that Col Qureshi visited the Department of Biochemistry at MSU Baroda in January 2025, where she was warmly welcomed by faculty and former teachers. “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. Sofiya Qureshi stands as a beacon of inspiration for every student of MSU Baroda,” Officer on Special Duty (Public Relations and Communication) Prof. Hitesh Raviya said.
Dhanesh Patel, in-charge Vice Chancellor of MSU, said, “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.”
Born in 1981 in Vadodara, Col Sofiya Qureshi completed her B.Sc. in Chemistry and M.Sc. in Biochemistry in 1997 from the Faculty of Science, MSU Baroda. (Source: X/@SpokespersonMoD) 
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