Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 8: Karnataka is celebrating one of its own as Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, hailed as the 'daughter-in-law' of the state, drew nationwide attention after addressing the media on the high-profile military initiative, Operation Sindoor.
Colonel Qureshi, who is married to Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi, hails from a family with roots in Konnur village near Gokak in Belagavi district. Her in-laws’ home has become a hub of festivity, as villagers and well-wishers pour in to offer congratulations.
Her in-laws shared how Sofiya, despite her stature, lives humbly and blends seamlessly with local traditions whenever she visits the village. “She becomes one among us,” said her father-in-law, Ghouse Saab Babu Saab Bagewadi, “living like any other modest, traditional Muslim woman.”
Ghouse expressed immense pride at the national recognition. “I am overjoyed that both my daughter-in-law and my son are serving the country. Both are colonels, and our family is proud. Since Sofiya appeared on television, my family hasn’t let me sleep. They kept calling me all night to offer congratulations.”
He reflected on his family’s humble roots, adding, “We didn’t get much formal education, but seeing my daughter-in-law receive such appreciation fills me with happiness.”
He admitted to being overwhelmed watching her deliver the Operation Sindoor updates. “My son visits home once every six months, and Sofiya comes once a year. Despite her position, she is humble and becomes one of us when she visits,” he said.
Ghouse also spoke stoically about the risks involved in their careers. “Even though there is the possibility of war, I’m not worried about their safety. They are serving the nation. I have another son who works with the Fire and Emergency Services. I’ve already told him that if war breaks out, he should be the first to volunteer. I had children nine years after marriage, and I am proud of Sofiya Qureshi.”
He added that their arranged marriage took place in Vadodara, Gujarat, in 2015. “Both of them have achieved great heights in their careers,” he said with a smile.
The family has been receiving a steady stream of visitors. “Sofiya Qureshi has brought immense respect to our family. Both my son and daughter-in-law have told us they will come home together for Bakrid. Villagers are showing us great respect – they’ve brought flowers and extended wishes. I was unaware of her media briefing on Wednesday as I was out. After returning home, I learned about it, and my happiness knew no bounds,” Ghouse shared.
“I haven’t been able to speak with Sofiya yet. My son informed me that she is in Delhi attending meetings,” he added.
Commenting on Pakistan’s attempts to incite religious divisions, Ghouse said, “There are no differences among us. Whatever Pakistan does will only lead to a tragic end for them. Unko Allah ki maut nahin aati (They won’t have a dignified death). They are not honest. They attack from behind. But we Indian Muslims face our enemies head-on – that’s why we earn respect. If our women are this strong, imagine how strong our men are. We believe in unity. For us, there is only one identity: Hindustani. Those who promote caste divisions will be left with nowhere to go.”
Highlighting communal harmony in the region, he added, “I attend all Hindu religious functions. A Lingayat swami even donated Rs 2 lakh to our Urs festival and arranged food and sweets for the people. There is no caste or religious difference – we are one. This is the mindset we must have, and Allah will bless us for it.”
Social media users across Karnataka have also praised Colonel Qureshi, calling her a symbol of national pride and an inspiring daughter-in-law of the state.
A third-generation officer in the Indian Army, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is currently posted in Jammu, while her husband, Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi, is stationed in Jhansi.