Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Vadodara witnessed a sea of patriotic fervor and emotional resonance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s grand roadshow unfolded on Sunday evening. Among the thousands who lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister, one presence stood out — the family of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a proud daughter of Gujarat and the first woman to lead an all-male Indian Army contingent at an international military exercise.

Colonel Qureshi’s family, seated in a special enclosure along the route of the roadshow, waved enthusiastically at the Prime Minister as his cavalcade passed through the bustling city roads. The sight of the family — including her elderly parents and siblings — was met with cheers from fellow attendees, many of whom recognized them and lauded the officer’s achievements.

The roadshow, which covered several kilometers of Vadodara’s key streets, was part of the BJP’s ongoing outreach campaign in Gujarat ahead of the upcoming elections. However, the inclusion of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s family added an emotional dimension to the otherwise politically charged event. Local BJP leaders stated that the gesture was a recognition of the valiant service rendered by Gujarat-born armed forces personnel, particularly women who have broken glass ceilings in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, an alumna of the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, made history in 2016 when she became the first Indian woman to lead a male military contingent at the multinational Exercise Force 18 in Pune, organized by the ASEAN Plus countries. Her accomplishment drew national attention, and she quickly became a symbol of courage, leadership, and gender equality within the ranks of the Indian Army.

Speaking to reporters at the venue, Colonel Qureshi’s father, a retired government servant, expressed deep pride. “Sofiya has always been dedicated to her country. Today, seeing the Prime Minister acknowledge her contribution by inviting us here means a lot to our family. It reflects the nation’s growing respect for women in uniform,” he said.

While Prime Minister Modi did not stop to interact directly with the family during the roadshow due to security protocols and crowd management, he acknowledged their presence with a warm smile and a wave. Many in the crowd could be seen applauding and pointing toward the Qureshi family, recognizing them as representatives of the nation’s brave soldiers.

Local BJP members also praised the symbolism of the moment. “Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is an icon for young women in India, especially from Gujarat. Her family being here sends a strong message about how the Modi government values the sacrifices and achievements of our soldiers and their families,” said a senior party worker.

The roadshow was marked by traditional Gujarati music, saffron flags, chants of "Modi, Modi", and enthusiastic citizens standing along balconies and rooftops. However, the silent tribute paid to the military by acknowledging Colonel Qureshi’s family gave the event a patriotic and heartfelt layer that resonated beyond politics.

Political analysts noted that such gestures are part of a larger effort to honor armed forces and their families in public platforms, which strikes a deep chord with voters across demographics, especially in Gujarat, a state with a significant number of citizens in the armed forces.

The Prime Minister’s roadshow continued on its vibrant route, but the quiet dignity and presence of Colonel Qureshi’s family left a lasting impression — a reminder of the valor, sacrifice, and service that often go unnoticed but lie at the heart of the nation’s strength.