COLONEL SOFIYA QURESHI: A UNIFORMED TESTIMONY ΤΟ INDIA'S INCLUSIVE SPIRIT

In a nation as diverse and complex as India, stories of individuals who transcend boundaries of identity to serve the country stand out as powerful reminders of what unites us.

- GUFRAN AHMAD

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is one such story—an Indian Muslim woman in uniform, commanding not just troops but the nation's collective admiration.

A senior officer in the Indian Army, Colonel Qureshi represents the very essence of India's democratic, secular ethos. Her rise to a position of leadership in one of the most respected institutions of the country is not just an individual achievement—it’s a reflection of what modern India aspires to be: inclusive, empowering, and merit-driven. Colonel Qureshi created history when she became the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise. Her leadership was not symbolic—it was a product of merit, discipline, and years of dedicated service. Her presence in the room, commanding attention and respect, speaks volumes about the changing face of the armed forces.