Toda let talk about Sofia Qureshi Biography : Sofia Qureshi is a trailblazing officer in the Indian Army who made history as the first Indian woman to lead an all-male military contingent at a multinational military exercise. Her courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her duty have made her an icon of empowerment and a role model for aspiring women in defense services across India.
Sofia Qureshi Biography
Sofia Qureshi Age
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi was born in 1981 in Vadodara, Gujarat . She comes from a strong military family her grandfather served in the Indian Army as a religious teacher, and her father also held an Army role.
If born in 1981, then by August 2025 she would be 44 years old (or turning 44, depending on her exact birthday, which isn’t publicly disclosed).
Publications from May 2025 state she was 35 when she led the multinational contingent in 2016, which aligns with a 1981 birth year (2016 − 1981 ≈ 35) .
Sofia Qureshi Education
Early Schooling
Class 1 to 3: Attended a government school in Nowgaon, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh .
Later transferred between Chhatarpur, Ranchi, and eventually Vadodara, following her father’s transfers in the armed forces . Completed later schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, EME, Vadodara, known for academic excellence.
Undergraduate & Postgraduate Studies
Earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Chemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU), Vadodara, between 1992–1995 .
Completed a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Biochemistry at the same institution, in 1995–1997 .
PhD & Academic Career
Began Ph.D. in Biochemistry while working as an assistant lecturer at MSU.
Was nearing completion when she opted to enroll in the Indian Army through Short Service Commission in 1999, leaving academia behind .
Military Education & Professional Development
Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai Commissioned into the Indian Army Corps of Signals in 1999, after completing training at OTA Chennai. Attended the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, earning a Master’s in Defence & Strategic Studies (typically around 2005–06). Studied at the National Defence College (NDC), New Delhi, specializing in strategic cybersecurity, around 2018.
Sofia Qureshi Parents
Father: Taj Mohammad Qureshi
Profession: Retired Subedar in the Border Security Force (BSF), following in the footsteps of a long line of family military service .
Military Heritage: He, along with Sofiya’s uncles—Ismail Qureshi and Wali Mohammad—all served as Subedars in the BSF, solidifying a multi-generational legacy
Influence: As a renowned “fauji kid,” Sofiya often heard stories of duty, sacrifice, and patriotism from him and her grandfather; these deeply shaped her values and military ambitions .
Mother: Halima Qureshi: Role & Values: A homemaker deeply proud of her daughter’s achievements. She publicly encouraged educating daughters, urging more girls to serve the country, especially in defense roles . Inspirational Voice: During the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, she made headlines with her statement:
“We are very happy about what our daughter has done for the nation… I hope this inspires others to educate their daughters, so that they can serve the nation.”
Grandfather: Religious Teacher in the Indian Army.
Service: He served in the Indian Army as a religious teacher, bridging spiritual guidance with military ethos for the family.
Family Influence: As a central family figure, he was instrumental in instilling the ethos of alertness, defense, and national service that guided Sofiya’s upbringing.
Extended Family & Historical Roots
Ancestral Connection: Sofiya’s roots lie in Naugaon (Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh) where she studied till class five. The family has deep ties to military tradition in that region.
Great‑Grandmother: Famously connected with Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi, described as a warrior woman herself—her legacy continues to motivate Sofiya’s service to the nation.
Why This Family Background Matters
Sofiya Qureshi was raised in a richly military‑oriented household from her father and grandfather to older generations making her upbringing one rooted in responsibility and national commitment.
Her parents offered both encouragement and role modeling: her father as a disciplined soldier, and her mother as a champion of women’s potential.
Her great‑grandmother’s legacy adds another dimension: a deeper connection to India’s historic warriors and women’s folklore of courage.
Sofia Qureshi Husband
Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi – Husband of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
Name & Rank: Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi (sometimes spelled Bagevadi), an officer in the Mechanized Infantry branch of the Indian Army .
Home: Hails from Konnur village, in Gokak Taluk, Belagavi district, Karnataka .
Marriage & Relationship
Married in a love‑cum‑arranged ceremony in 2015 in Konnur, Karnataka .
The union reflects a shared patriotism and mutual respect—both being senior officers in the Indian Army.
Career & Current Posting
Serves actively as a Colonel in Mechanized Infantry, specializing in armored warfare and rapid deployment missions .
As of mid‑2025, he is posted in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, while his wife, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, is posted in Jammu & Kashmir .
Family & Children
They have two children:
Son: Sameer Qureshi, approximately 18 years old as of 2025. He is preparing for a career in the Indian Air Force .
Daughter: Hanima Qureshi, who also aspires to join the armed forces, inspired by her parents’ example .
Extended Family & Legacy
Tajuddin comes from a patriotic and respected family in Karnataka, celebrated locally after Sofiya’s high‑profile media briefings during Operation Sindoor .
His father, Gous Sab Bagewadi, expressed pride in his son’s and daughter-in‑law’s service to the nation, witnessing community-wide honors in Konnur village .
Sofia Qureshi Children
Son: Sameer Qureshi
Relationship: Only known child of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi .
Age & Aspirations: As of mid‑2025, Sameer is in his late teens (approximately 17–18 years old). He is reportedly preparing to join the Indian Air Force, inspired by his parents’ dedication to defense services .
Public Mention: His ambitions were highlighted by his mother during media coverage of Operation Sindoor, noting the next generation’s drive to serve the nation .
Daughter: Hanima Qureshi
Some media sources mention a daughter named Hanima, described as aspiring to follow her parents into the armed forces .
However, high-quality news citations and official profiles, including Colonel Qureshi’s Wikipedia entry, only confirm a son, with no verified reference to a daughter in credible records .
Sofia Qureshi Achievement
Exercise Force 18 (2016)
Became the first Indian woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a large multinational military exercise involving 18 countries—ASEAN Plus nations—held in Pune. She commanded a 40-member contingent focused on peacekeeping and humanitarian mine action .
Awarded the Chief of Army Staff Plaque of Honour for her leadership .
United Nations Peacekeeping in Congo (2006)
Served as a UN military observer in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She operated in militant-held zones, contributed during presidential elections, reunited a missing child with her parents, and earned admiration from the local community and UN leadership .
Received the Force Commander’s Commendation on UN Day for exemplary service . Operation Sindoor Press Briefing (May 7, 2025)
One of two women officers—including Wing Commander Vyomika Singh—who led the national media briefing on Operation Sindoor, following India’s precision strikes on terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. She provided clear insights into the operation, highlighting nine targeted terror facilities with zero civilian infrastructure damage .
Commendations & Field Operations
GOC-in-C Commendation Card during Operation Parakram on the Punjab border (2001–02) .
Signal Officer‑in‑Chief (SO‑in‑C) Commendation for her work in flood-relief communications in Northeast India. Earned the first-ever Provost Marshal Citation in her unit’s history .
Permanent Commission & Gender Equality Milestone
Cited as a high-impact officer in the February 17, 2020 Supreme Court decision granting Permanent Commission to women SSC officers. The court recognized her leadership and contributions as pivotal to broadening women’s roles in the Indian Army .
Community Recognition & Awards
Received the prestigious Global Peace Gandhi Award in 2019, which was even mentioned in the UK House of Commons .
Honored by the All India Jamiatul Quresh community during its centenary celebrations for bringing pride to her community and inspiring youth to diversify into careers beyond traditional professions.
Educational Outreach & Student Mentorship
Through the Sapta Shakti Student Outreach Programme, she conducted motivational workshops reaching over 25,000 students—especially young girls—in states like Punjab, Haryana, J&K, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh .
Modernization & Cyber Strategy Contributions
Played a key role in modernizing battlefield communications, developing India’s first mobile digital network for the Army in the early 2000s. Later, she commanded India’s Rapid Deployment Unit and contributed to cyber defence strategy via the Indian Cyber Defence Command.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s journey reflects a blend of architectural leadership, pioneering modernization, and gender-barrier-breaking service. She’s not just a decorated officer—she’s a role model for young Indian women, illustrating that competence and vision transcend gender. From UN peacekeeping to leading in cyber defense and commanding the national spotlight during Operation Sindoor, her career embodies the evolution of the modern Indian Army.
FAQ
Who is Colonel Sofiya Qureshi?
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is a decorated officer in the Indian Army. She gained national recognition as the first Indian woman to lead a multinational military contingent in a peacekeeping mission and recently became a known face of Operation Sindoor in Manipur.
What is Colonel Sofia Qureshi’s age?
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi was born in 1981, making her approximately 44 years old as of 2025.
Where is Colonel Sofiya Qureshi from?
She hails from Vadodara, Gujarat, India. She comes from a family with a strong military background.
What are Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s key achievements?
First Indian woman to lead a multinational military force during a UN peacekeeping exercise in 2016.
Participated in several high-level operations within India.
Became a prominent spokesperson during Operation Sindoor in 2025.
Inspired many young women to pursue careers in the armed forces.
What is Colonel Sofia Qureshi’s Educational Background
She holds:
B.Sc. in Chemistry
M.Sc. in Biochemistry
Both degrees were earned from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat.
Who is Colonel Sofia Qureshi’s Husband?
Her husband is Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi, an Indian Army officer who served in the Rashtriya Rifles and other operations.
Does Colonel Sofiya Qureshi have children?
Yes, she has a son named Sameer Qureshi, who is preparing to join the Indian Air Force, following in his parents’ footsteps.
Has Colonel Sofiya Qureshi received any awards?
Though specific military decorations are not publicly listed, she has been widely honored and recognized for her leadership roles, especially in the Indian Army’s public affairs and international missions.
Conclusion
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi stands as a powerful symbol of courage, leadership, and progress in the Indian Armed Forces. From being the first Indian woman to lead a multinational military contingent to serving in UN peacekeeping missions, and most recently commanding national attention through the Operation Sindoor briefing, her journey reflects dedication, excellence, and a trailblazing spirit.
Her career not only broke through traditional gender barriers but also contributed significantly to India’s defense modernization, humanitarian operations, and youth outreach. As a role model for young women in India and beyond, Colonel Qureshi exemplifies how grit, intelligence, and resilience can lead to greatness—regardless of gender or background.
In a country where women in uniform are still writing their stories, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s legacy is already etched in golden letters. She is more than a military leader; she is an inspiration for generations to come.
