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Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Col Qureshi, Wg Cdr Vyomika to be facesof BJP's campaign on 11 yrs of Modi govt
Lucknow: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who led India's press briefings on Operation Sindoor , will be the faces of an ambitious women-centric campaign scheduled to be rolled out by the BJP on the completion of 11 years of the Narendra Modi-led govt on June 9. The BJP has asked its minority wing to mobilise its cadres to organise "chaupals" highlighting Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as "role models" for women, particularly from minority communities. BJP's Minority Morcha national president Jamal Siddiqui told TOI thay the campaign would be carried out around minority institutions, mosques, dargahs, gurudwaras and churches situated in all organisational divisions across the country. The first chaupal is proposed to be organised in Delhi's Shaheen Bagh — the epicentre of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2019. "The idea is to mobilise women and make them feel empowered," Siddiqui said, stressing that the campaign will aim to encourage women to join the NCC and Agniveer Scheme. "Military training can come in handy in every possible way for women in everyday lives or dealing with domestic violence," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Political experts said that the selection of Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as the face of a women-centric campaign by the BJP marks a strategic move that seeks to blend military valour, national pride and gender empowerment into a powerful political narrative. An analyst said that women-centric policies and empowerment become a key pillar in showcasing governance successes. In fact, in the recent elections, women emerged as critical swing voters, especially in politically crucial states like Uttar Pradesh. Colonel Qureshi, who addressed the media a day after India's 'Operation Sindoor' to target nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, is a highly decorated officer in the Indian Army's Corps of Signals. Born in Gujarat, she made history as the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military drill 'Exercise Force 18' held in Pune and involving 18 ASEAN Plus nations. She was also the only female contingent commander in the event. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who co-led the media briefing on Operation Sindoor, is a distinguished helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force and a first-generation military officer. Sources said the BJP's campaign will also be designed to consolidate women's support by highlighting schemes like Ujjwala Yojana, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and the women's reservation bill. Siddiqui said the campaign will be further widened to reach out to the minority communities and apprise them of the key welfare measures initiated by the Modi govt. Key schemes proposed to be highlighted in the process include PM Awas Yojana, PM Jan Dhan Scheme, PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which benefited all sections, including Muslims. He added that the party would also distribute copies of the Constitution among the minority community, making them aware of their rights, besides preventing them from getting swayed by "malicious narratives" peddled by the opposition parties. Experts highlight that the campaign attains much significance in light of sustained criticism faced by the BJP over the perceived alienation of minorities, primarily Muslims. Sources said the saffron outfit desperately seeks to reframe its relationship with minorities through development-centric messaging rather than ideologically. Lucknow: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who led India's press briefings on Operation Sindoor, will be the faces of an ambitious women-centric campaign scheduled to be rolled out by the BJP on the completion of 11 years of the Narendra Modi-led govt on June 9. The BJP has asked its minority wing to mobilise its cadres to organise "chaupals" highlighting Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as "role models" for women, particularly from minority communities. BJP's Minority Morcha national president Jamal Siddiqui told TOI thay the campaign would be carried out around minority institutions, mosques, dargahs, gurudwaras and churches situated in all organisational divisions across the country. The first chaupal is proposed to be organised in Delhi's Shaheen Bagh — the epicentre of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2019. "The idea is to mobilise women and make them feel empowered," Siddiqui said, stressing that the campaign will aim to encourage women to join the NCC and Agniveer Scheme. "Military training can come in handy in every possible way for women in everyday lives or dealing with domestic violence," he said. Political experts said that the selection of Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as the face of a women-centric campaign by the BJP marks a strategic move that seeks to blend military valour, national pride and gender empowerment into a powerful political narrative. An analyst said that women-centric policies and empowerment become a key pillar in showcasing governance successes. In fact, in the recent elections, women emerged as critical swing voters, especially in politically crucial states like Uttar Pradesh. Colonel Qureshi, who addressed the media a day after India's 'Operation Sindoor' to target nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, is a highly decorated officer in the Indian Army's Corps of Signals. Born in Gujarat, she made history as the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military drill 'Exercise Force 18' held in Pune and involving 18 ASEAN Plus nations. She was also the only female contingent commander in the event. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who co-led the media briefing on Operation Sindoor, is a distinguished helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force and a first-generation military officer. Sources said the BJP's campaign will also be designed to consolidate women's support by highlighting schemes like Ujjwala Yojana, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and the women's reservation bill. Siddiqui said the campaign will be further widened to reach out to the minority communities and apprise them of the key welfare measures initiated by the Modi govt. Key schemes proposed to be highlighted in the process include PM Awas Yojana, PM Jan Dhan Scheme, PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which benefited all sections, including Muslims. He added that the party would also distribute copies of the Constitution among the minority community, making them aware of their rights, besides preventing them from getting swayed by "malicious narratives" peddled by the opposition parties. Experts highlight that the campaign attains much significance in light of sustained criticism faced by the BJP over the perceived alienation of minorities, primarily Muslims. Sources said the saffron outfit desperately seeks to reframe its relationship with minorities through development-centric messaging rather than ideologically.
The Wire
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
From Flowers to Sarees, A Story of PM Modi's Communication Imagery Post-Operation Sindoor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi waving at supporters during a roadshow in Vadodara, Gujarat. Photo: PTI On May 26, Gujarat's Vadodara city was decked out in red to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi – from red carpets, to women in red sarees with red bindi and caps that read 'Operation Sindoor'. Women performed the garba in front of red hoardings that declared India victorious in the strikes against Pakistan. With all this grandeur, Modi's roadshow appeared to be a marketing exercise for Operation Sindoor. During this red roadshow in Vadodara, a part of his two-day visit to Gujarat, family members of Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, one of the two women officers who briefed the media on 'Operation Sindoor', were seen showering flower petals on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Colonel Qureshi is the first woman to have led an Indian Army contingent at ASEAN's multi-national military exercise named 'Exercise Force 18', which was the largest-ever foreign military exercise hosted by India. Her family, including her parents and sister, shared that they were called by the district magistrate to attend the show and shower flowers on the prime minister. When Colonel Qureshi and Indian Air Force Wing Commander Vyomika Singh briefed the media about 'Operation Sindoor', several reactions on mainstream social media hailed the idea of having two women lead the operation with bravado. Despite that, today, when it comes to receiving public appreciation, the family of a colonel who led the airstrikes against Pakistan terror bases is being ferried to a roadshow to shower petals on the prime minister. Why is it that the two symbols of nari shakti (women empowerment) did not receive a shower of petals from our fellow Indians? After all, it was these women who led the defence operation, not the prime minister. On May 22, in a public address in Bikaner, Rajasthan, regarding the April 22 Pahalgam attack, he claimed that 'hot sindoor (vermillion)' flowed through his veins – again using the symbol that depicts married Hindu women to display the depth of his anger against Pakistan. He said that the Indian armed forces made Pakistan 'kneel' during Operation Sindoor and that the world had now seen what would happen when ' sindoor turns to gunpowder'. But what stands out in this apparent PR exercise is that the prime minister's convenient amnesia makes him forget about those who actually led the 'war' he claims he won. This opportune act has made him utilise ' sindoor' not just as something that married Hindu women apply on their foreheads, but also totally rendering invisible the Muslim women widowed in the Pahalgam Attack – and later making Colonel Qureshi's family a part of the civilians present to laud Modi with flowers, demeaning the contribution she has made to secure the border. Using her family as an accessory to augment the roadshow reminds us of the way Modi deployed the 'women empowerment' label to push forward his right-wing stances on triple talaq , Waqf (Amendment) Act, as well as the revocation of Article 370. Isn't blood supposed to unite us into the common fold of being humans? Doesn't ' sindoor' divide? This also pushes one to contemplate if Modi's crusade against the 'terrorist structures' in Pakistan was also a crusade emanating from a Hindu Rashtra avenging the killing of Hindu men in front of their wives? In this Hindu Rashtra's crusade towards a Muslim enemy country, the Hindu wife of Vinay Narwal – an officer of the Indian Navy who was killed in Pahalgam – became the first casualty of the crassness of Hindutva followers. Yet, Narwal's widow, Himanshi, did not find a single mention in Modi's speeches after Operation Sindoor. On May 31, at Modi's 'women empowerment conference' in Bhopal, it is being speculated that 620 women in ' sindoori' saree will be managing things on and off the stage, including water, food and parking. Will they be credited for the management of the conference, or will their work be sidelined, and the sindoor in Modi's veins will take the credit for that too?
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First Post
26-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Col Sofiya Qureshi's family showers PM Modi with flower petals during Vadodara roadshow
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is one of two female officers who addressed the media on 'Operation Sindoor' on May 8 read more Family members of Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi were seen showering flower petals on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday during a roadshow in Vadodara, Gujarat. #WATCH | Gujarat: Family members of Indian Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, shower flower petals as Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a roadshow in Vadodara, Gujarat During his 2-day visit to Gujarat, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for various… — ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During his two-day visit to the state, the prime minister will officially launch and set the groundwork for a number of development initiatives. Thank you Vadodara! Extremely delighted to be in this great city. It was a splendid roadshow and that too in the morning! Gratitude to all those who showered their blessings. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 26, 2025 Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is one of two female officers who addressed the media on 'Operation Sindoor' on May 8. She is also the first woman to head an Indian Army detachment at the multi-national military exercise 'Exercise Force 18', India's largest foreign military exercise to date. Her parents, and siblings commended her commitment to the nation and shared heartfelt recollections in an interview with CNN News18. Shaina Sunsara, Sofia's sister, called her encounter with Prime Minister Modi a blessing. 'There was incredible energy at the event. People from all walks of life were present. Seeing my sister on TV during a military briefing made me so happy,' she added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She went on to say, 'Sofiya is my twin sister. When your sister does something for the country, it inspires everyone. She is no longer just my sister but the country's sister. Halima Bibi, her mother, said, 'I felt happy to meet PM Modi ji. Women and sisters are happy with 'Operation Sindoor'.' 'She has made the entire nation proud,' said her father, Taj Mohammad Qureshi. He recalled the day she asked to join the army and how he encouraged her. 'The women of our country are strong and empowered,' he added. Also speaking to the media, Sanjay Qureshi, brother of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, said, 'It was a great moment when PM Modi came here. We got to see him for the first time.' 'Through gestures, he greeted us. I thank our defence forces and the government of India, which gave this chance to my sister. A woman taking revenge for the women who suffered so much, what can be better than this?' he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Saris of valour: Trader's tribute to women officers
Varanasi: Inspired by their remarkable contribution to against Pakistan, a Varanasi-based sari trader has designed special saris to honour the bravery of Col Sofiya Qureshi of the and wing commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Colonel Sophia, who addressed the media on May 7 following India's retaliatory strikes, is a highly decorated officer in the Indian Army's Corps of Signals. Born in Gujarat, she had earlier made history as the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military drill 'Exercise Force 18' in Pune involving 18 ASEAN Plus nations. She was also the only female contingent commander in the event. Wing commander Singh, who co-led the media briefing on Operation Sindoor, is a distinguished helicopter pilot and a first-generation military officer. Their leadership in Operation Sindoor marks a turning point in military history, proving that gender is no barrier when it comes to defending the nation. With meticulous attention to detail, Shubham has captured the essence of their courageous efforts in the intricate designs. Shubham wishes to gift these unique saris to the officers as a token of appreciation for their exceptional service. The saris, crafted by traditional artisans, uniquely depict the essence of Operation Sindoor through intricate designs and motifs and are a tribute to the valour of the armed forces. Aircraft, camouflage patterns, and regimental insignias of the Army, Air Force, and Navy are woven into the fabric, symbolising the unity and determination displayed by the armed forces during the joint operation. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Each sari is a testament to the bravery and coordination of the military personnel involved. The trader's careful conceptualisation and the artisans' skilled craftsmanship have resulted in a distinctive and meaningful tribute to the operation's heroes. "I was greatly moved by Operation Sindoor launched to avenge Pahalgam terror attack. The way our armed forces contributed to the success of Operation Sindoor inspired me to do something meaningful," the trader said. "Yeh meri taraf se ek chhota sa sammaan hai (This is a small tribute from my side)" he said. The design team behind the saris spent weeks researching news footage, interviews and reports on Operation Sindoor to ensure the artwork's accuracy. They intricately wove scenes of ground maneuvers, airborne formations, and warships into the fabric, capturing the operation's essence. Each sari took five artisans a week to weave, with every detail meticulously crafted to reflect the operation's significance. Through this gesture, the trader aims to honour the bravery of Operation Sindoor's heroes and inspire future generations to take pride in India's uniformed heroes. Asked about the price of the sari, Shubham said that the collection is not meant for sale. It is only aimed at saluting the valour of Operation Sindoor, he added. Shubham's 50-year-old shop in Varanasi's Chowk area is renowned for its exquisite Banarasi collection. His latest creations feature intricate designs that pay tribute to India's military prowess. "You'll see the S-400 missile, likened to India's Sudarshan Chakra, the BrahMos missile that keeps Pakistan on edge, INS Vikrant of the Indian Navy, and the Indian Army," he explained. "We've tried to showcase the entire armed forces involved in Operation Sindoor... Inspired by the operation and the Prime Minister's leadership, Shubham aims to gift these sarees to soldiers to boost their morale, driven by a desire to contribute to the nation," he said.
News18
15-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Who Is Col Sophia Qureshi? A Look At Trailblazing Army Officer's Career As MP Minister Sparks Row
Last Updated: Colonel Sophia Qureshi is known for being the first woman to lead an Indian contingent at a multinational military exercise. She has also served in UN peacekeeping missions. The Supreme Court on Thursday rapped up Madhya Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minister Vijay Shah for allegedly making objectionable remarks against Colonel Sophia Qureshi. In a post on X, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said instructions were given to take action against Shah following the orders of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. A First Information Report (FIR) had already been registered against the minister in this regard. WHO IS COLONEL SOPHIA QURESHI? Hailing from Gujarat, Colonel Sophia Qureshi is one of the two women officers who briefed the media on 'Operation Sindoor' on May 8. She holds a degree in biochemistry from the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, from where she graduated in 1997. Coming from a military family, her grandfather served in the Indian Army. She is married to an officer in the Mechanised Infantry. During the media briefing, Col Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force (IAF) flanked Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on the dais, who delivered the opening statement from the government. The briefing came hours after the Indian armed forces, under 'Operation Sindoor', carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. In March 2020, the Ministry of Defence called her the 'leading lady" as she trained the Army contingent. #ASEAN Plus multin'l field trg ex in 2016. She was only Woman Officers Contingent Commander among all #ASEAN Plus contingents. #WomensDay #IWD2020 #EachforEqual #SheInspiresUs — Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) March 8, 2020 She has served in the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Congo in 2006, where she, along with others, was in charge of monitoring ceasefires in those countries and aiding in humanitarian activities. Her job included ensuring peace in the conflict-affected areas. An officer in the critical Corps of Signals, in the past, she had been picked for the role of a military observer in Congo in 2006, besides being part of flood relief operations in the Northeast region. The officer broke the glass ceiling when in 2016, she became the first woman officer to lead its contingent at the multi-national field training exercise, Exercise Force 18, hosted by India for interoperability in sustaining peace among the ASEAN nations. Her selection to lead India's contingent at Exercise Force 18 was endorsed by then Southern Army Commander Lt. Gen. Bipin Rawat, who cited her proven leadership, discipline, and field experience as the basis for the appointment. OFTEN PRAISED BY SUPREME COURT While ruling in favour of granting Permanent Commission (PC) to women officers in the Indian Army, the Supreme Court in 2020 had acknowledged the achievements of Colonel Sophia Qureshi. In its February 17, 2020, judgement, the top court said that absolute exclusion of women from all positions, except staff assignments, in the Army was indefensible, and their blanket non-consideration for command appointments without any justification cannot be sustained in law. The top court also referred to the distinctions achieved by women officers, and put out an example of Col Qureshi's achievements. First Published:
