Colonel Sofiya Qureshi Set to Share Operation Sindoor Insights on Kaun Banega Crorepati

In a commemorative episode aligned with India's Independence Day celebrations, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force are scheduled to appear on the popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17. Hosted by renowned actor Amitabh Bachchan, the special episode will air on August 15, 2025, at 9:00 PM IST on Sony Entertainment Television and the Sony LIV platform. Accompanying them will be Commander Prerna Deosthalee of the Indian Navy, as the trio recounts pivotal moments from Operation Sindoor, a significant counterterrorism mission executed earlier this year.

The episode, titled the Independence Day Maha Utsav Special, promises to highlight the valor and strategic acumen of India's defense personnel. Promotional material released by Sony Entertainment Television features Bachchan extending a warm welcome to the officers, emphasizing their contributions to national security. This appearance underscores the growing recognition of women in the armed forces, showcasing their leadership in high-stakes operations.

Backgrounds of the Distinguished Officers

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, affiliated with the Indian Army's Corps of Signals, has a distinguished career marked by several milestones. In 2016, as a Lieutenant Colonel, she became the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent during a multinational military exercise. Hailing from a background where patriotism is deeply ingrained, Qureshi played a central role in briefing the media on Operation Sindoor, articulating the mission's objectives and outcomes with precision. Her family has expressed immense pride in her achievements, noting that "patriotism runs in our blood."

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force, represents a trailblazing path as the first member of her family to join the armed forces. Commissioned into service, she co-led the Operation Sindoor briefing alongside Colonel Qureshi, symbolizing inter-service collaboration. Singh's expertise in aviation has been instrumental in operational planning, and her participation in the mission briefing highlighted the Indian Air Force's critical involvement.

Commander Prerna Deosthalee, representing the Indian Navy, complements the panel, bringing a tri-service perspective to the discussion. While specific details of her background are less prominently featured in available sources, her inclusion emphasizes the unified efforts of India's defense branches.

Details of Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor was initiated as a targeted response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the tragic loss of 22 to 26 civilian lives. Executed with meticulous precision, the mission involved strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), based on credible intelligence. The operation concluded in a remarkably brief 25 minutes, from 1:05 AM to 1:30 AM, ensuring the destruction of designated targets without any civilian casualties.

During the KBC promo, Colonel Qureshi explained the rationale behind the mission, stating, "Pakistan yeh karta chala araha hai. Toh jawab dena banta tha sir. Isiliye Operation Sindoor ko plan kiya gaya" (Pakistan has been carrying out such acts repeatedly. A response was necessary, and that’s why Operation Sindoor was planned). Wing Commander Singh elaborated on the execution, noting, "Raat ko ek baj kar paanch minute se lekar dedh baje tak, pachhis minute me khel khatam kar diya" (From 1:05 AM to 1:30 AM, we completed the entire operation in just 25 minutes). Commander Deosthalee affirmed the mission's success, adding, "Targets were destroyed and no harm was caused to any civilian."

Qureshi further emphasized the evolving national ethos, declaring, "Ye ek naya Bharat nayi soch ke saath hai" (This is a new India with a new vision), a sentiment that resonated with the audience, culminating in chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" led by Bachchan.

Significance and Public Reception

The officers' appearance on KBC not only educates viewers about contemporary military operations but also inspires national pride, particularly among the youth. Social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), have seen widespread discussions, with users praising the officers' roles and sharing tributes to their bravery. For instance, actor Anupam Kher highlighted Colonel Qureshi's grace and valor in a recent post, presenting her with his book as a token of appreciation.

This episode aligns with broader efforts to honor armed forces personnel, as evidenced by community tributes such as those during Muharram processions in Katihar, where replicas of the operation were featured. As India approaches its Independence Day, such narratives reinforce the commitment of its defense forces to safeguarding sovereignty.

Viewers are encouraged to tune in for an insightful session that blends inspiration with education, celebrating the indomitable spirit of India's guardians.