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News18
12-05-2025
- General
- News18
Operation Sindoor Hero Colonel Sofiya Qureshi's Twin, Shyna Sunsara Is A Beauty Queen, Environmental Champion
Last Updated: Twin sisters bound by blood and patriotism, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Dr. Shyna Sunsara embody courage, legacy, and unwavering service to the nation. When Colonel Sofiya Qureshi appeared before the nation during the Operation Sindoor press briefing, she wasn't just delivering a strategic update—she was etching her name into the pages of Indian military history. As one of two women officers chosen to represent the Indian Army at the high-stakes press conference, her composed yet commanding presence became an instant symbol of strength, inspiring citizens across the country. But for one person, that moment struck a deeply personal chord—her twin sister, Dr. Shyna Sunsara. Watching Sofiya stand tall in her uniform on national television, Shyna felt a surge of emotions—pride, nostalgia, and the weight of a shared dream fulfilled. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Shyna recalled how both sisters, born into a military family, nurtured the dream of donning a uniform. At a time when women were yet to be allowed into combat roles in the Indian Army, Sofiya found alternate paths—speaking of serving through the DRDO as a scientist, or joining the police force if need be. That unwavering sense of duty eventually led her to a groundbreaking career in the armed forces. advetisement The press briefing came as a surprise for Shyna, who learned about it via a relative's urgent call. As she switched on the television and watched her twin address the nation, Shyna saw more than just a military officer—she saw the legacy of their ancestors taking form. Their family tree is steeped in service: their father fought in the 1971 war, their grandfather and great-grandfather both served in the Army, and a great-uncle served in the BSF. Stories from their grandmother about an ancestor who fought beside Rani Lakshmi Bai in 1857 were part of their childhood. Seeing Sofiya on that podium, Shyna remarked, was like watching the spirit of the Rani of Jhansi reborn. The Sister Who Inspires Dr. Shyna Sunsara is every bit as accomplished as her twin. A true renaissance woman, she has worn multiple hats with effortless grace—economist, environmentalist, fashion designer, and former Army cadet. A national-level rifle shooter, Shyna was awarded a gold medal by the President of India and is fondly known in Vadodara as its very own 'Wonder Woman." In the world of pageantry, too, Shyna made her mark—she was crowned Ms. Gujarat, followed by Ms. India Earth 2017, and ultimately, Ms. United Nations 2018. She received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award the same year, not just for her glamour, but for her environmental initiatives—most notably, her mission to plant one lakh trees across Gujarat, a feat that brought her international acclaim. Despite her many achievements, Shyna remains deeply rooted in her values. In a recent radio interview, she shared childhood anecdotes, including a moment of early design flair—cutting up her mother's saree to create a dress. That mix of boldness and creativity would go on to define her life journey. The Trailblazing Colonel Lieutenant Colonel Sofiya Qureshi's career is a testament to quiet determination and extraordinary service. An officer in the Corps of Signals, she holds a Master's degree in biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University and has served in key postings, both within India and internationally. Advertisement In 2006, she joined the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she played a crucial role in monitoring ceasefires and supporting humanitarian efforts in volatile conflict zones. A decade later, in 2016, she made history as the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multi-national field training exercise—Exercise Force 18—held in India to promote peacekeeping collaboration among ASEAN nations. From leading troops to aiding in disaster relief operations during the Northeast floods, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi has proven herself time and again as a leader of substance and resilience. Aftermath of Operation Sindoor Colonel Qureshi's press briefing marked a turning point in India's ongoing military operations. In the 36 hours that followed, the country witnessed a flurry of high-stakes action. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that more than 100 terrorists were neutralised through targeted precision strikes. India responded with strength to multiple ceasefire violations and drone attacks from across the border. advetisement Tensions surged as major infiltration attempts were foiled in Jammu's Samba sector, and air raid sirens blared across key northern cities. India's air defence systems responded swiftly, intercepting missile threats and disabling strategic enemy radars. Border states—including Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan—imposed emergency measures such as curfews and blackouts, with leave cancelled for essential personnel. top videos View All The civilian impact was immediate—schools were closed, exams postponed, and the Indian Premier League suspended indefinitely. The Army later released footage affirming the success of India's retaliatory strikes. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Dr. Shyna Sunsara are not just twins bound by blood—they are forces of nature bound by duty, courage, and vision. Together, they remind us that patriotism wears many uniforms, and the spirit of service can manifest both in combat boots and high heels. Watch CNN-News18 here. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 12, 2025, 08:26 IST News lifestyle Operation Sindoor Hero Colonel Sofiya Qureshi's Twin, Shyna Sunsara Is A Beauty Queen, Environmental Champion Latest News Shillong Teer Results Today, May 12, 2025: Winning Numbers For All Teer Games India Sports Jeeno Thithikul Keeps Cool To Win LPGA's Americas Open Lifestyle Operation Sindoor Hero Colonel Sofiya Qureshi's Twin, Shyna Sunsara Is A Beauty Queen, Environmental Champion World Who Is Edan Alexander? Hamas To Free Last Living US Hostage Amid Ceasefire Push Education and Career JEE Advanced 2025 Admit Card Today, Know Steps To Download Hall Ticket At latest news
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
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. #Operation Sindoor India-Pakistan Clash Live Updates| Missiles, shelling, and attacks — here's all that's happening Pakistani Air Force jet shot down in Pathankot by Indian Air Defence: Sources India on high alert: What's shut, who's on leave, and state-wise emergency measures 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now 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.
