Vadodara, Gujarat — Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the Indian Army officer who rose to national prominence after briefing the nation on the critical Operation Sindoor cross-border strikes, was accompanied by her family during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s grand roadshow in Vadodara on Monday. The event, which marked a significant moment in Modi’s ongoing two-day visit to his home state, drew thousands of attendees and highlighted the intertwining of national pride, military valor, and regional development.
Proud Family Stands with Colonel Sofiya Qureshi at Vadodara Roadshow
Among the throng of supporters lining the streets was Colonel Qureshi’s family — her parents Taj Mohammad and Halima Qureshi, and her twin sister Shyna Sunsara. The family expressed profound pride in Colonel Qureshi’s accomplishments and shared emotional reflections on the significance of the event.
Taj Mohammad, speaking to news agency PTI, described the moment as “proud and emotional.” He said, “We feel honored that Prime Minister Modi met with us. Sofiya Qureshi has been recognized as a daughter of the nation. She has simply fulfilled her duty with dedication and honor.”
His wife, Halima Qureshi, praised the military operation that brought their daughter into the national spotlight. “Operation Sindoor avenged the sindoor of our sisters,” she said, expressing the deep symbolism the mission holds for their family and the country’s women.
Shyna Sunsara, Colonel Qureshi’s twin, added to the sentiment in a conversation with ANI, stating, “When your sister does something for the country, it’s not just inspiring for me — it inspires the entire nation. She is no longer just my sister; she belongs to the country now.”
Who is Colonel Sofiya Qureshi?
Trailblazer and Third-Generation Army Officer
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s story is one of dedication, breaking barriers, and serving the nation with distinction. Born and raised in Gujarat, she hails from a family with a rich military heritage, being a third-generation Army officer. Her leadership skills and commitment to the country were recognized early in her career.
In 2016, Colonel Qureshi created history by becoming the first and only woman officer to lead the Indian Army’s training contingent at the ASEAN Plus multinational regional training exercise. This achievement marked her as a trailblazer in the military domain, demonstrating the increasing role women officers are playing in India’s armed forces.
Currently, Colonel Qureshi commands an elite unit within the Corps of Signals, a branch responsible for military communications. Her role is crucial in modern warfare where secure and effective communication forms the backbone of operational success.
Operation Sindoor: A Game-Changing Military Offensive
The Tri-Service Strike That Made Headlines
Operation Sindoor was a meticulously coordinated tri-service military offensive that targeted nine terrorist camps spread across 21 locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation marked a significant escalation in India’s strategy to combat terrorism along its borders and sent a strong message to adversaries.
The operation involved the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy, highlighting a new level of joint military cooperation. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi gained national attention when she was one of the two female military officers briefing the media on the operation, alongside Indian Air Force Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Source: Times Now
This operation not only demonstrated the Indian Armed Forces’ capability but also underscored the increasing prominence of women officers in critical defense roles. Colonel Qureshi’s role as a face of the operation made her an inspiring figure for many across the country.
Modi’s Gujarat Visit: Celebrating Military Valor and Regional Development
Roadshow in Vadodara and Wider Statewide Initiatives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Gujarat comes at a pivotal time. It is his first visit to his home state following the success of Operation Sindoor. The visit began with a vibrant roadshow in Vadodara that showcased the state’s cultural heritage and the nation’s pride in its armed forces.
The roadshow started at Vadodara’s Harni Airport and passed through key city landmarks, drawing a crowd of thousands, including Colonel Qureshi’s family. The atmosphere was electric, with cultural performances highlighting Gujarat’s rich traditions and hoardings celebrating the success of the armed forces in Operation Sindoor prominently displayed.
Development Projects Worth Thousands of Crores to be Inaugurated
Modi’s Vision for Gujarat’s Growth
Alongside celebrating military success, Modi’s visit is heavily focused on regional development. During his two-day trip, he is set to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹82,950 crore across Dahod, Bhuj, and Gandhinagar.
In Bhuj, an area that faced drone attacks from Pakistan in retaliation for Operation Sindoor, Modi will inaugurate 33 projects valued at ₹53,414 crore. These projects span multiple sectors including:
Infrastructure upgrades at Kandla Port
- Solar energy initiatives aimed at increasing renewable power capacity
- Power transmission system enhancements
- Road and building developments to improve connectivity and urban growth
These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to turning strategic military achievements into lasting development gains for border regions and the entire state.
Significance of Modi’s Visit to Gujarat
Linking Defense and Development
This visit is not only about inaugurating projects or conducting roadshows. It is symbolic of the seamless linkage between India’s defense achievements and the development of its regions. By bringing military heroes like Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s family into the public eye during these events, Modi highlights the sacrifices and dedication behind India’s security.
Moreover, Modi’s focus on Gujarat’s development following Operation Sindoor sends a clear message that security and prosperity go hand in hand. The roadshow and projects collectively reflect a vision where national pride is coupled with tangible progress for citizens.
Conclusion: A Proud Moment for Gujarat and the Nation
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s family’s presence at the Prime Minister’s roadshow in Vadodara added a deeply personal and inspiring dimension to the event. Their pride and emotion resonated with the thousands who gathered to celebrate India’s military prowess and Gujarat’s cultural vibrancy.
As the Prime Minister inaugurates massive development projects in the coming days, the nation is reminded that behind every successful operation like Sindoor, there are families dedicated to the nation’s service. Colonel Qureshi’s story and her family’s tribute during the roadshow stand as a testament to India’s evolving military strength and the role of women officers in shaping the country’s defense future.
