Vadodara, Gujarat: In an inspiring and heartfelt gesture, the family of Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a shower of flower petals as his convoy passed through Vadodara during a grand roadshow on Monday. The moment marked a symbolic tribute not only to the Prime Minister but also to Colonel Qureshi’s exceptional service to the nation.
Family’s Emotional Moment with PM Modi
Colonel Qureshi’s father, Taj Mohammed Qureshi, shared how PM Modi recognized them in the crowd, bringing tears of pride to their eyes. “PM Modi ne humey pehchaan liya aur fir pranaam kiya. Humne bhi unhe sammaan se pranaam kiya,” he said, reflecting the mutual respect shared between the leader and the family. Her mother, Halima Qureshi, emphasized the pride they feel in both Modi’s leadership and their daughter’s sacrifices. “He deserves every bit of this respect,” she said.
A Family of Service
Colonel Sofiya’s military service is part of a larger family legacy—her grandfather was an army veteran, and her father fought in the 1971 war. The Qureshi family’s heartfelt welcome to PM Modi was seen by many as a moment of unity, reflecting the collective spirit of India’s military families. Her twin sister, Shyna Sunsara, recalled the moving interaction: “It was an unforgettable moment. It felt like he was sending a message of unity and courage.”
Honoring Operation Sindoor’s Spirit
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi recently gained national recognition for her co-leadership in the media briefings during Operation Sindoor—India’s retaliatory strikes on terror camps in Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. Speaking about her role, her brother, Sanjay Qureshi, said, “It was a great moment. She has become the sister of the nation, standing up for all women who have suffered.”
PM Modi’s Visit and Development Push
PM Modi’s roadshow was just the start of his two-day Gujarat visit, the first since Operation Sindoor’s success. Warmly received by crowds waving tricolours and chanting patriotic slogans, the Prime Minister is set to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for projects worth nearly Rs 83,000 crore—spanning critical areas such as infrastructure, industry, and social welfare. This visit not only celebrates India’s military achievements but also reinforces the government’s commitment to rapid development and national pride.
