Colonel Sofia Qureshi has become a national sensation after she, along with Commander Vyomika Singh, addressed the media following Operation Sindoor—a military strike in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Since then, the public has shown great interest in knowing more about her personal life, especially about her husband and children.
Let’s explore Sofia Qureshi’s journey, her love story, and her family in simple terms.
Who Is Colonel Sofia Qureshi?
Sofia Qureshi was born in 1974 in Vadodara, Gujarat, and is now 35 years old. She grew up in the Tandalja area with three brothers and one sister. She attended Kendriya Vidyalaya for her schooling and completed her graduation in Biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University in 1997.
Sofia had started a PhD program but later left it midway when she found out that the Indian Army was recruiting women officers. After clearing the required exams, she joined the forces. Interestingly, her grandfather served as a religious teacher in the Indian Army, which inspired her path.
She made history by becoming the first woman to lead the Indian Army’s training contingent at Force 18. She also played a crucial role during Operation Parakram, launched after the 2001 Parliament attack.
Who Is Sofia Qureshi’s Husband?
Sofia is married to Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi, a fellow officer in the Indian Army. He hails from Konnur village in Gokak taluk, located in Belagavi (Belgaum) district of Karnataka.
The couple met while serving in the army and eventually fell in love. They got married in 2005, and have since supported each other in their demanding military careers.
Currently, Colonel Tajuddin is posted in Jhansi, while Sofia is posted in Jammu. Despite being in different locations, the two share a deep bond built on mutual respect and service to the nation.
Do They Have Children?
Yes, Sofia and Tajuddin have two children. Their son, Sameer, is 18 years old, while their daughter, Hanima, is younger. As per reports, Hanima also dreams of joining the Indian Army, following in her parents’ footsteps.
#sophiaqureshi Salute to Col Sophia Qureshi and her husband Col Tajuddin Bagewadi of Indian 🇮🇳 Military! We are proud of you for dedication and service to our nation! pic.twitter.com/LxAHKKRoqU
— Dr. Debajyoti Mukhopadhyay🔅 (@DrDebM) May 10, 2025
What About Sofia’s Family Background?
Sofia comes from a family with a proud military tradition. Her father, Taj Mohammed Qureshi, is a subedar in the Border Security Force (BSF). Two of her uncles, Ismail and Wali, also served as subedars in the BSF. This strong background in armed services clearly had a lasting impact on Sofia’s own career choice.
Final Thoughts
Colonel Sofia Qureshi’s story is one of courage, dedication, and inspiration. From a young girl in Gujarat to one of the leading women officers in the Indian Army, her journey shows how passion and determination can lead to greatness. Her partnership with Colonel Tajuddin reflects not only a beautiful love story but also a shared commitment to serving the country.
