Belagavi — The quiet village of Konnur in Belagavi district has become a hub of patriotic celebration following the appearance of Colonel Sofia Qureshi on national television, where she briefed the nation on ‘Operation Sindoor’ — a military response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, reported the SahilOnline.
The residence of Mohammed Ghaus Sab Bagewadi, Colonel Qureshi’s father-in-law, is now witnessing a steady stream of visitors, with the atmosphere described as “Eid-like” by family members.
Colonel Sofia Qureshi, who is married to Tajuddin Bagewadi, holds the rare honour of being the first Indian woman officer to command a military contingent at the ASEAN Plus Multinational Military Exercise ‘Force 18’. She is currently posted in Jammu, while her husband is stationed in Jhansi.
Overwhelmed with pride, Ghaus Sab Bagewadi shared with reporters, “When I saw her on television, my heart swelled with joy. The entire village has been visiting to congratulate us.” He added that although he had spoken to his son recently, he had not yet had a chance to speak with his daughter-in-law.
The home, filled with relatives and neighbours, echoed with slogans of “Hindustan Zindabad” and “Jai Hind,” as people expressed admiration for Colonel Qureshi’s bravery and dedication.
Condemning the Pahalgam attack, Bagewadi said, “Those who kill innocents after asking their faith are nothing but devils. Even Allah will not forgive them. They will face justice here itself.” He also criticized Pakistan, calling it “a demon that strikes from behind.”
Despite the tensions, Bagewadi highlighted the harmony in his locality, where people from various communities, including Marathas, coexist peacefully. “Everyone here is proud that our children are serving the nation. They came and honoured me with so much love.”
The story of Colonel Qureshi is not just one of military accomplishment, but also of inspiration, unity, and national pride — a reminder of how individual acts of service can stir collective patriotism across communities.
