From academics to Army, patriotism runs in the blood of Col Sofiya

As Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh flanked Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday morning during the briefing about Operation Sindoor, creating a striking image, her family in Gujarat beamed with pride.

- TDG NETWORK

Col Sofiya, who hails from Vadodara city, had quit her Ph.D. and a teaching career to become an Army officer, they said. Her parents and brother Mohammad Sanjay Qureshi live in the Tandalja area of the city.

Talking to reporters at their home, Sanjay said Col Sofiya was on the verge of finishing her Ph.D. when she decided to look beyond the classroom setting and don the olive-green uniform of the Indian Army.

Sanjay said his sister was inspired by their grandfather and father, as both had served in the Army.

"You can say that patriotism runs in our blood. After finishing school, Sofiya did B.Sc. and then M.Sc. in Biochemistry from M.S. University in Vadodara, as she wanted to become a professor," Sanjay told reporters.