PERSONAL INFORMATION
Real Name: Sophia Qureshi
Profession: Army Personnel
Famous For: Being the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multi-national military exercise in 2016
Date of Birth: Year, 1981
Age (as of 2025): 44 Years
Birthplace: Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Religion: Islam
Marriage Date: Year, 2005
Age: 44 Years
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EDUCATION
Educational Qualification: Masters in Bio-Chemistry
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): in centimeters – 170 cm in meters – 1.70 m in feet inches – 5’ 7”
Weight (approx.): in kilograms – 65 kg in pounds – 145 lbs
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Black
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Married
Affairs/Boyfriends: Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi (Serving in the Mechanised Infantry)
Husband/Spouse: Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi (Serving in the Mechanised Infantry)
Children: Son – Sameer Qureshi Daughter – Hanima
Parents: Father – Name Not Known (Retired Army Officer) Mother – Name Not Known
Siblings: Brother – None Sister – Dr. Shyna Sunsara (model, actress, co-producer, economist, environmentalist; twin sister)
Husband: Tajuddin Bagewadi
OTHER INFORMATION
Service/Branch: Indian Army
Rank: Colonel
Unit: Corps of Signals of the Indian Army
Hobbies: Shooting, Travelling, Trekking, Reading
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Sophia Qureshi’s journey into the esteemed ranks of the Indian Army is deeply rooted in her family’s military legacy. Growing up under the influence of strong military figures, her grandfather served in the Army, and her father, a religious teacher, dedicated several years of his life to the same noble pursuit. This profound connection to military service not only shaped her values but also paved the way for her own impressive career. Today, she is married to an Army officer from the Mechanised Infantry, a partnership that further solidifies her commitment to the defense forces.
In 1999, Sophia took a monumental step in her life, graduating from the Officers Training Academy in Chennai as a Lieutenant. This marked the beginning of a distinguished military career that would see her engage in critical operations both within India and internationally. Her service took a significant turn in 2006 when she joined the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Congo, where she dedicated over six years to the mission. During her tenure, she exhibited an unwavering commitment to peacekeeping principles, contributing to stability in a region fraught with conflict.
Sophia’s dedication was showcased in various operations, including Operation Parakram on the Punjab border, where her selfless service earned her a commendation card from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief. Her exceptional communication skills shone through during a flood relief operation in North East India, garnering her another commendation card from the Signal Officer-in-Chief. Additionally, her hard work and dedication were recognized with a Force Commander appreciation, affirming her status as a committed officer who consistently rises to the occasion.
In 2016, Sophia made history as the first lady officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military exercise, ‘Exercise Force 18.’ This significant event was the largest foreign military exercise hosted by India, and she stood out as the sole woman among 17 contingents from various nations, including Australia, Japan, Korea, China, Russia, New Zealand, and the United States. The Indian contingent played a pivotal role in the training aspects of peacekeeping operations and humanitarian mine action, highlighting the critical nature of the exercise, which took place at the Aundh Military Station in Pune. As she took on this leadership role, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Bipin Rawat, emphasized, “In the Army, we believe in equal opportunity and equal responsibility.”
Sophia’s remarkable career continued to trend upwards as she was selected by the Indian Army and the Ministry of Defence to conduct a press debriefing on May 7, 2025, following missile strikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan, codenamed Operation Sindoor. This assignment not only showcased her credibility and expertise but also further highlighted her as a respected voice within the armed forces. In a photo captured during this momentous event, Colonel Sophia Qureshi stands confidently, reflecting the strength and leadership she embodies as a trailblazer for women in the Army. Her journey is not just a testament to her individual accomplishments but a symbol of progress for women in the military, proving that leadership and capability know no gender boundaries.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.