KBC: Colonel Sofia Qureshi Recalls Congo Mission; Says She Told Her Mother 'I'll Return Alive Or…

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2 days ago

Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 17's Independence Day special featured Colonel Sophia Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Commander Prerna Deosthalee.
Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 17: KBC's Independence Day special episode turned into an emotional salute to the nation's real heroes – the brave Indian army who avenged the ghastly Pahalgam attack with Operation Sindoor. Host Amitabh Bachchan invited three pioneering women officers from the Indian Armed Forces – Colonel Sophia Qureshi from the Indian Army, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh from the Indian Air Force, and Commander Prerna Deosthalee from the Indian Navy on the show. On the hot seat, Colonel Qureshi of the Indian Army shared an unforgettable chapter from her life during a mission back in the day.
Sofia Qureshi recalls a deadly mission from 2006
Recounting a mission from 2006 during her posting in Congo under the United Nations peacekeeping mission, Colonel Qureshi revealed how a sudden crisis erupted when militias opened fire and took shelter in a cemetery, trapping civilians including women. 'At that time, when the team was being formed, the names of Indian officers were called first. That moment, I realised there was a chance I may never return," she recalled.
Overwhelmed by the memory, she shared that she recorded a heartfelt voice message for her mother on a small phone before leaving for the mission. 'I told her I would either return alive or wrapped in the tricolour. That was the only thought on my mind," she said. The mission was eventually successful, reinforcing her faith that 'the Indian Army is the best in the world."
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Sofia Qureshi talks about Operation Sindoor
Colonel Qureshi also spoke about Operation Sindoor, an Indian Army operation carried out in response to repeated provocations, including the Pahalgam attack of April 22. She emphasised that the mission was not revenge, but a strong message that 'the new India will not compromise on its security." Hearing her story, Amitabh Bachchan was visibly emotional and saluted the bravehearts who protect the nation without caring for their lives.
Belonging to a family with three generations in the armed forces, Colonel Qureshi said she grew up listening to tales of courage – her ancestors even fought alongside Rani Lakshmibai.
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