Operation Sindoor: Meet Colonel Sofiya Quraishi's 'all-rounder' twin sister Shyna Sunsara. She is a model, fashion designer, economist, and environmentalist
When Colonel Sofiya Qureshi addressed the nation following the successful
Operation Sindoor
, she wasn't just delivering a military briefing — she was making history. As one of two women officers to speak on behalf of the
Indian Army
during the press conference, her poised and powerful presence captivated the nation. But for one viewer, the moment hit even harder — her twin sister,
Dr. Shyna Sunsara
, watched with pride and awe as her sister stood tall in uniform on national television.
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According to Hindustan Times, Shyna Sunsara shared that both she and her twin sister, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, grew up in a military family and always aspired to join the armed forces — even at a time when women weren't allowed in the Army. Sofiya, determined to find a way in, often spoke of becoming a scientist through DRDO to serve the nation, and if not that, she was prepared to join the police force.
The sisters had met in January, but Sofiya hadn't mentioned that she would be addressing the nation during the Operation Sindoor press briefing. Shyna recalled finding out about it from a relative's phone call, alerting her to switch on the TV. Watching her sister live on national television became a deeply emotional moment, not just one of family pride, but a matter of national pride as well. She also praised the Indian government and Prime Minister
Narendra Modi
for their strong response through the operation.
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Their roots run deep in India's military and patriotic legacy. According to the tabloid, Shyna Sunsara revealed that their father served in the 1971 Bangladesh war, following in the footsteps of his father, who was also in the Army. Their uncle was part of the Border Security Force (BSF), and their great-grandfather had fought in the British Army before joining the Indian freedom movement. Their grandmother often narrated stories of an ancestor who took part in the 1857 revolt alongside the legendary Rani of Jhansi. Watching Colonel Sofiya Qureshi deliver the Operation Sindoor briefing, Shyna said, felt like witnessing the spirit of Jhansi Ki Rani come alive — a historical figure Sofiya has long drawn strength and inspiration from.
Who is Dr. Shyna Sunsara?
Dr. Shyna Sunsara is every bit as remarkable as her twin and a true all-rounder. Shyna has worn many hats: economist, environmentalist, fashion designer, former Army cadet, and gold medalist in rifle shooting (awarded by the President of India).
Known as
Vadodara
's Wonder Woman, she is also a crowned beauty queen, having won Ms. Gujarat, Ms. India Earth 2017, and Ms. United Nations 2018. She was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2018, further adding to her long list of accolades. Beyond the glitz, Shyna is committed to the planet, most notably through her initiative to plant 100,000 trees across Gujarat, a project that earned her national and international acclaim.
In a recent interview with Radio City, she reflected on her childhood dreams. Known as an all-rounder even as a child, she was passionate about fashion design. During her school years, Shyna once cut up her mother's saree to design a dress—an early display of her creativity.
About Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
Born in Gujarat's Vadodara, Lieutenant Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is a trailblazer in every sense. An officer in the Indian Army's critical Corps of Signals, she holds a Master's degree in biochemistry from the Maharaja Sayajirao University and has served on multiple prestigious assignments, both in India and abroad. In 2006, she was deployed as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Congo, where she was responsible for monitoring ceasefires and aiding humanitarian efforts in conflict zones.
In 2016, Sofiya etched her name in history by becoming the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multi-national field training exercise — Exercise Force 18 — hosted by India. The exercise focused on building interoperability for peacekeeping among ASEAN nations. Her career also includes significant contributions to flood relief operations in the Northeast, proving her versatility as both a leader in combat and a crisis responder.
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