Achievements of Sofia Qureshi Recognized by Supreme Court
Colonel Sofia Qureshi, Pioneering Indian Army Officer, Granted Permanent Commission
In a groundbreaking decision in February 2020, the Supreme Court acknowledged the achievable potential of Colonel Sofia Qureshi, one of the two women officers who officially briefed the media on "Operation Sindoor" this week and last. The apex court's ruling granted Permanent Commission to women officers serving in the Indian Army.
The Supreme Court's verdict took into account the accomplishments of women officers, using Col. Qureshi as an example. The court emphasized that the absolute bar on women Short Service Commission (SSC) officers from securing anything but staff appointments did not align with the purpose of granting Permanent Commission as a means of career progression in the Army.
The distinguished career of Colonel Qureshi extends beyond the Indian borders. She served as the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent at Exercise Force 18, a multinational military exercise in 2016. This event marked the largest foreign military exercise hosted by India, with Col. Qureshi taking command of all participating ASEAN Plus contingents as Contingent Commander. Her service with the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2006 also stands as a notable milestone. Her responsibilities in Congo included monitoring ceasefires and facilitating humanitarian programs.
Col. Qureshi, born in Gujarat's Vadodara in 1974, pursued a Master's in biochemistry from the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in 1997 before joining the Indian Army. Commissioned as an officer in the Corps of Signals, she built an impressive career, characterized by her dedication and phenomenal leadership skills. Apart from her international achievements, she also demonstrated her leadership in disaster-relief efforts during North-East floods.
In April 2022, Col. Qureshi took a significant step forward by leading the "Operation Sindoor" briefing, alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force. This operation saw the Indian armed forces carry out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Col. Qureshi's accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, gaining recognition from the highest echelons of the Indian military establishment. The Ministry of Defence has cited her as a pioneer, citing her role in training Army contingents and her contribution to "Operation Sindoor."
- Colonel Sofia Qureshi's achievements in science, evidenced by her Master's in biochemistry, demonstrate her intellect and dedication, attributes that also shine in her leadership roles.
- Apart from her significant contributions to the health-and-wellness sector, having served in UN Peacekeeping Operations facilitating humanitarian programs, Colonel Qureshi also showed remarkable leadership in the business realm by successfully commanding multinational military exercises like Exercise Force 18.
- In addition to her support for womens-health, having joined the Indian Army despite a Master's degree in a scientific field, Colonel Sofia Qureshi's finance management skills were evident during her role in "Operation Sindoor," where she played a crucial part in the planning and execution of critical military operations.
