Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a heartfelt reception in Vadodara on Monday, as family members of Army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi showered flower petals on him during his roadshow through the city.
Their gesture symbolised deep appreciation and pride, particularly in light of Colonel Qureshi’s recent involvement in the high-profile ‘Operation Sindoor’.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who recently briefed the media on 8 May about ‘Operation Sindoor’, is widely respected for her trailblazing achievements.
She made history as the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multi-national military exercise, ‘Exercise Force 18’, the largest foreign military exercise ever hosted by India.
Her family’s enthusiastic presence at the Vadodara event underscored both personal pride and national recognition.
Colonel Qureshi’s sister, Shyna Sunsara, expressed her admiration for PM Modi’s efforts in advancing women’s empowerment.
“We felt good meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has done a lot for women’s empowerment. Sofiya is my twin sister. When your sister serves the country, it inspires everyone. She is no longer just my sister, but the country’s sister,” Shyna said.
Their mother, Halima Bibi, echoed the sentiment, adding, “I felt happy to meet PM Modi ji. Women and sisters are proud of ‘Operation Sindoor’.”
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Meanwhile, Colonel Qureshi’s father, Taj Mohammed Qureshi, described the encounter as respectful and warm.
“Prime Minister Modi recognised us and greeted us. We responded with equal respect,” he said.
Her brother, Sanjay Qureshi, described the moment as unforgettable.
He noted, “Seeing PM Modi for the first time was incredible. Through gestures, he acknowledged us. I thank the Indian Army and the Government of India for this opportunity given to my sister. A woman avenging the suffering of countless women what could be more powerful?”
PM Modi arrived in Gujarat on Monday morning for a two-day visit. His itinerary includes public engagements in Dahod, Bhuj, and Gandhinagar, along with the inauguration and foundation-laying of various development projects worth ₹82,950 crore, according to an official release.
He received a grand welcome upon landing at Vadodara Airport at around 10 AM, where crowds had gathered to greet him.
Soon after, PM Modi led a one-kilometre roadshow, culminating at the Air Force Station.
Throughout the roadshow, citizens lined the streets to express their support and to congratulate PM Modi for the successful execution of ‘Operation Sindoor’ against Pakistan.
The atmosphere reflected widespread public enthusiasm and national pride.
Later, PM Modi shared glimpses of his roadshow on his official X handle, capturing the vibrant and emotional scenes from the event.
With strong symbolic gestures, vocal public support, and recognition for women in the armed forces, PM Modi’s visit to Gujarat has once again placed national unity and empowerment at the forefront of political discourse.
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