It is an image we have seen many times before: men in uniforms, standing tall with the weight of the nation on their shoulders, eyes piercing the horizon. But there, in the midst of this, in this very space of conflict, discipline, and command, two women stand—resolute, poised, and unswerving. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh are not just a part of the military establishment; they are its beating heart, its powerful pulse in a time of crisis, its embodiment of strength in all its complexities.

By Agha Syed Amin Musvi

“It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

It is an image we have seen many times before: men in uniforms, standing tall with the weight of the nation on their shoulders, eyes piercing the horizon. But there, in the midst of this, in this very space of conflict, discipline, and command, two women stand—resolute, poised, and unswerving. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh are not just a part of the military establishment; they are its beating heart, its powerful pulse in a time of crisis, its embodiment of strength in all its complexities.

On May 7, 2025, the world watched as these two women took the stage—not in the wings, not in a secondary role—but as the primary narrators of India’s bold response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation, named Operation Sindoor, was an unequivocal message to those who would perpetuate violence across borders, a message delivered not by the usual voices, but by two women—two names that now signify much more than just military precision: they signify the dismantling of stereotypes that have too long confined women to the margins.

For many, the sight of these women in full command, briefing the nation on a high-stakes military operation, must have felt unfamiliar, unsettling even. And yet, it is this very discomfort, this jarring of old perceptions, that makes their presence so essential. They are not just leading; they are changing the narrative.

The military, for too long, has been the ultimate domain of men—of steel, grit, and strength. Women who tried to enter this space often found themselves relegated to roles that were far from command positions. But Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s presence in Operation Sindoor was never about questioning her ability, but about showing that leadership in the military is not determined by gender but by action. Colonel Qureshi’s role in the operation, briefing the nation with clarity and precision, proved that strength lies in purpose and conviction, not in gender.

In parallel, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh brought her own resolute leadership to the operation. A veteran helicopter pilot, Singh’s experience in India’s hostile terrains underscored her position in the mission. The success of Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, was not just about retaliation—it was about precision, strategy, and ensuring justice for the 26 lives lost in the Pahalgam attack.

The leadership shown by Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh marks the beginning of a shift in an entrenched military tradition. These women are not anomalies in a field dominated by men; they are the new architects of military leadership. Their story is not just about their personal achievements—it is about changing the landscape for future generations. It is about showing that leadership knows no gender; it is about doing the job with conviction, regardless of the barriers that may exist.

Operation Sindoor, with its precise execution, was a statement—not just of military might, but of a new era where gender no longer defines leadership. The women at the helm of this mission proved that the fight for justice and strength is not dictated by gender, but by the willingness to lead, break barriers, and inspire.

As Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stand at the forefront of military operations, their leadership demonstrates that the future of the military belongs as much to women as it does to men. Through their efforts, they have shown that strength, resilience, and leadership come in all forms, and the barriers that once held women back are steadily crumbling.