Col Sofiya left Ph.D, teaching career to join Army; patriotism runs in our blood: Family

Business Aajkal, New Delhi, 07 May 2025: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, hailing from Vadodara, Gujarat, has emerged as a prominent figure in India's military landscape, particularly following her pivotal role in briefing the nation on Operation Sindoor. Her journey from academia to the armed forces is both inspiring and emblematic of dedication to national service.
Academic Pursuits and Transition to the Army
Col. Qureshi completed her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University in Vadodara. Initially inclined towards a career in academia, she was pursuing a Ph.D. and working as an assistant lecturer when she decided to join the Indian Army through the Short Service Commission in 1999, inspired by her family's military background. Her grandfather served as a religious teacher in the Indian Army, and her husband is an officer in the Mechanized Infantry.
Military Career and Achievements
An officer in the Corps of Signals, Col. Qureshi has had a distinguished career. In 2006, she served in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Congo. Notably, in 2016, she became the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise, 'Exercise Force 18', involving ASEAN Plus countries.
Role in Operation Sindoor
On May 7, 2025, Col. Qureshi, alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, briefed the media on Operation Sindoor, India's retaliatory strike targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Speaking in Hindi, she detailed the precision strikes, emphasizing that the targets were chosen based on credible intelligence and that no Pakistani military installations were targeted. 
Family's Pride and Inspiration
Col. Qureshi's family in Vadodara expressed immense pride in her achievements. Her brother, Mohammad Sanjay Qureshi, highlighted her decision to leave academia for the Army as a testament to their family's patriotic values. Her niece, Zara, inspired by Col. Qureshi's dedication, aspires to join the Army herself. 
Col. Sofiya Qureshi's journey from a scholar to a trailblazing Army officer underscores the evolving role of women in India's defense forces and serves as an inspiration for many aspiring to serve the nation.