What Happened When PM Modi Met Col Sofiya Qureshi's Family During His Vadodara Visit?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's visit celebrated Colonel Sofiya Qureshi's achievements.
- Importance of girls' education was emphasized during the meeting.
- Thousands attended the roadshow in Vadodara.
- The Prime Minister's visit included launching development projects worth Rs 82,000 crore.
- Community members paid tribute to the Indian Armed Forces.
Vadodara, May 26 (NationPress) During his inaugural visit to Vadodara post-Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a special meeting with the family of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, one of the two women officers from the defense forces who addressed the media regarding the operation.
Upon his arrival at Harni Airport, PM Modi engaged with Colonel Qureshi’s family, who expressed that this encounter was a moment filled with pride and emotion.
Her father, Taj Mohammad, conveyed his happiness to IANS, stating, “It was a thrill to meet the Prime Minister. Every citizen should recognize our nation -- Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. The youth, be it boys or girls, must dedicate themselves to the country. Only then can India truly advance.”
He stressed the significance of girls’ education, asserting, “The nation will progress only if our daughters receive education. What does Bharat Mata signify if our daughters are not empowered by education?”
The Prime Minister also connected with other family members of Colonel Qureshi, including Halima Qureshi, her brother Sanjay Qureshi, and her twin sister Shyna Sunsara.
Thousands gathered along the route from Harni Airport, lining the streets to witness the vibrant roadshow and cultural performances held in the Prime Minister’s honor.
After the event, Shyna Sunsara expressed her thoughts to reporters: “Meeting PM Modi was a tremendous honor. It was a moment of pride as he led the roadshow. He has contributed significantly to women’s empowerment, and we felt an extraordinary happiness.”
Reflecting on their connection, she added, “Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is my twin sister -- she’s merely 15 minutes older than me. When your sibling accomplishes something for the nation, it motivates not just the family but the entire community. She is no longer just my sister; she is now the sister of the country.”
PM Modi was welcomed with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” “Modi-Modi,” and “Vande Mataram” as crowds waved the national flag and showered flower petals during the unique Sindoor Samman Yatra. The public celebrated with enthusiastic slogans and documented the moment on their phones.
Participants honored the Indian Armed Forces, many dressed in themed attire, acknowledging both the military’s contributions and the Prime Minister’s leadership during Operation Sindoor -- India’s military initiative targeting terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Members from the African community in Vadodara also extended a warm welcome to the Prime Minister, holding placards with messages such as “Peace was attacked: India roared back with justice” and “India’s courage is the light that ends the evil of terrorism.”
Later, in a post on X, PM Modi shared: “It was a great delight to visit this culturally rich city. Today’s roadshow was nothing short of spectacular! I sincerely thank everyone for their overwhelming blessings – especially for coming out in the morning….!!”
The Prime Minister’s visit also encompasses the inauguration and foundation-laying of several development initiatives worth Rs 82,000 crore for Gujarat.