Rani Lakshmibai’s 197th Birth Anniversary: MEET the Indian Army officer carrying forward a warrior Queen’s legacy

Rani Lakshmibai, the fearless queen of Jhansi, remains one of India’s most powerful symbols of courage. On her 197th birth anniversary, her legacy continues to inspire generations. Every swing of her sword reaffirmed her unbreakable vow to defend her kingdom. She fought the British with her child tied to her back, battling with extraordinary resolve until she fell a martyr on 18 June 1858. Her life and sacrifice stand as a timeless testament to women’s strength, proving that a determined woman can challenge even the strongest of empires.

अदम्य साहस, अद्वितीय पराक्रम और अटूट देशभक्ति का प्रतीक वीरांगना महारानी लक्ष्मीबाई की जयंती पर शत्-शत् नमन। महारानी लक्ष्मीबाई का जीवन और बलिदान सदैव राष्ट्र को प्रेरित करता रहेगा।#MaharaniLaxmiBai#रानीलक्ष्मीबाई#RaniLakshmiBaipic.twitter.com/1Kvvu9RNq5

— डीडी न्यूज़ (@DDNewsHindi) November 19, 2025

A Modern Connection to a Legendary Past 

On this remarkable day, here we bring an extraordinary story: the tale of an Indian Army officer who recently made headlines during Operation Sindoor - and whose great-grandmother fought alongside Rani Lakshmibai herself.

Also Read: Operation Sindoor: From quitting Ph.D, teaching career to join Army, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi's inspiring journey

“My great-grandmother fought with Rani Lakshmibai”: A Legacy Revealed

In a resurfaced throwback video, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi reflects on her heritage with pride. Her striking presence during the press briefing after India’s retaliatory strikes- delivered with calm authority during Operation Sindoor- captivated the nation. 

Along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Qureshi shaped India’s narrative with clarity, confidence, and patriotism. Yet her journey began long before she stood at that podium. It is deeply rooted in generations of military courage - and revolutionary history.

A Lineage Etched in Bravery

A 2017 interview offers a powerful glimpse into her background. Colonel Qureshi revealed a remarkable ancestral link: her great-grandmother had fought alongside Rani Lakshmibai during the Revolt of 1857.

“I am a Fauji kid, so I have been exposed to the Army environment, and not only that, my great-grandmother was with Rani Lakshmibai, she was a woman warrior,” she said.

“My grandfather, who was also in the Army, he used to say, ‘It is the responsibility of every citizen to be alert and stand up for our country and with the nation,’” she added.

Colonel Sofia Qureshi who co-briefed India's communication today has full on military background
1. Dad is in army
2. Grand dad is in army
3. Her great grandmother was with Laxmi bai

True nationalists 👌🏼 pic.twitter.com/bKwYU2O0Rk

— Kaustubh Surke (తథాగత) (@DexterousRd) May 7, 2025

Raised in a household guided by duty, she credits her mother for encouraging at least one of the twin sisters to join the armed forces. 

While Colonel Sofiya carved her path in the Army, her twin sister, model and producer Shyna Sunsara, watched her historic moment unfold on TV with pride.

“We are Army kids. Women couldn’t join the Army back then but even so both of us wanted to,” Shyna said to HTCity, recalling how Sofiya always had a plan.

“She’d say, ‘Main DRDO ke through scientist banke Army mein jaaungi!’ Agar nahin, toh she would’ve joined the police,” she added.

Generations Who Served the Nation

Their family tree reads like a chronicle of India's military history. Shyna shared: “My dad fought in the 1971 Bangladesh war. His father was in the Army, too. Humare chacha BSF mein thhe. Mere daada ke daada British Army mein the, who later joined the krantikaari ladai. Our daadi would tell us stories of him fighting in the Revolt of 1857 by Rani of Jhansi. Sofiya bhi Jhansi Ki Rani ki tarah bolti chali gayi briefing mein, woh uski inspiration rahi hain.”

Also Read: When Col Sofiya Qureshi visited Kolkata, left lasting impression on students

More About Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

Born in 1974 in Vadodara, Gujarat, into a proud military family, Colonel Qureshi completed her Master’s in Biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University in 1997. Currently serving in the Mechanised Infantry, she has several milestones to her name. In 2016, she became the first Indian woman officer to lead an Indian contingent at the ASEAN Plus Multinational Military Exercise ‘Force 18’- and was the only female commander among participants from 18 countries, serving alongside her husband.