Kolkata, 12 May (H.S.) – Before she emerged as a national figure for her role in the Indian Army’s recent Operation Sindoor, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi had already made a powerful impact in West Bengal through her motivational outreach to students, according to a senior official of the West Bengal Minority Development and Finance Corporation (WBMDFC).
Colonel Qureshi, who was stationed at Fort William—the headquarters of the Eastern Command—in 2022, delivered an inspiring address as part of WBMDFC’s Career Guidance Series, which was attended by thousands of students and professionals across the state. The webinar was held at a time when many participants were grappling with uncertainty about their careers, particularly during the pandemic.
PB Salim, Chairman and Managing Director of WBMDFC, recalled that Qureshi’s calm yet firm mentorship left a deep impression. “She shared her own journey with honesty and conviction, speaking about how she once aspired to be a scientist but was drawn to the Army because of her family’s military background. When the opportunity opened up for women to join the forces, she didn’t hesitate,” Salim told Hindusthan Samachar.
In her interaction, Qureshi encouraged all students, particularly young girls, to stay positive and resilient. “If you want to wear the uniform, work hard for it. Watch motivational content, talk to your parents, and ignore those who try to bring you down,” she had said during the session.
She also stressed the importance of physical and mental discipline, urging participants to manage their time well, understand their strengths, and believe in themselves. “Have the courage of conviction,” she advised.
Salim noted that the Colonel’s interaction went beyond career advice. “She spent nearly two hours answering questions, sharing study strategies, and motivating students across communities. Her words still resonate with those who attended,” he said.
Following her participation in Operation Sindoor, Qureshi’s earlier session has gained renewed attention. The military operation was launched in response to the April 22 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. On May 7, Colonel Qureshi, along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, briefed the media on the strike, which was described as a “measured, non-escal
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
