INDIA :
Muslim women in uniform
New Delhi
Col. Sofiya Qureshi’s briefing the media during Operation Sindoor surprised the world, for not only an Indian woman but also one from the Muslim community, was briefing the media in the utmost professional manner, befitting an Indian Army Officer. Forget about the world; even many Indians could not believe that the Indian Army had women officers. The fact is that Muslim women have been part of the armed forces and technical workforce for many years.
Awaz-the Voice is bringing you ten stories of such women to inspire the younger generation:
Ajeetha Begum Sulthan stands as a compelling example of determination, discipline, and empathy in policing. Rising from a modest background in Coimbatore to become the Inspector General of Police (Crime Branch) in Kerala, she has built a reputation for tackling complex issues ranging from trafficking and drug networks to crimes against women and children. Known for her simplicity and strong sense of duty, Ajeetha believes that a police officer “cannot afford to go wrong,” a principle that has guided her through challenging postings and high-profile investigations.
Her journey reflects not only professional excellence but also a deep commitment to social responsibility and mentoring the next generation through initiatives like the State Police Cadet programme.
Anisa Nabi represents a rare blend of administrative commitment and athletic passion in Jammu and Kashmir. A 2012-batch JKAS officer and currently the Chief Sports Officer at the J&K Sports Council, she has consistently worked to promote sports, fitness, and youth engagement while building an impressive record as a runner who has completed major races like the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon and the Tata Mumbai Marathon.
Through her initiative “Wondrous Women,” Anisa encourages women to embrace fitness and mental well-being, while her work in government—from GST awareness to grassroots livelihood programmes—reflects a strong commitment to empowering communities. By promoting sports as a positive pathway for youth, she continues to inspire many to lead healthier and more purposeful lives.
Ishrat Ahmed, hailing from the village of Nuaan in Rajasthan, embodies a remarkable legacy of service, discipline, and patriotism. Commissioned into the Indian Army in 2001, she has risen through the ranks to command an Ordnance Unit in Meerut, becoming the first woman from the Qaimkhani community to hold such a significant role. Coming from a distinguished family of military and civil service officers, Colonel Ishrat’s journey reflects both inherited values and personal determination.
Beyond her achievements in uniform, she continues to inspire young people—especially girls from rural backgrounds—to pursue careers in the armed forces and public service, making her story one of courage, leadership, and lasting inspiration.
Bushra Bano’s journey from a small village in Kannauj to the ranks of the Indian Police Service is a story of resilience, faith, and unwavering determination. A scholar who completed her PhD at Aligarh Muslim University, Bushra balanced motherhood, professional responsibilities, and intense preparation for the civil services examination.
Remarkably, she appeared for her UPSC interview while eight months pregnant and eventually secured a place in the IPS, serving in the West Bengal cadre. Her journey—from lecturer and corporate employee to SDM and now a police officer—stands as an inspiring example for young women, proving that determination, family support, and education can turn even the most challenging circumstances into milestones of success.
Hana Qureshi has emerged as a leading voice in infertility treatment at the Cradle Fertility Centre in Kolkata, where she serves as the Centre-in-Charge of its Garia branch. Specialising in IVF procedures and advanced reproductive diagnostics, she combines cutting-edge medical science with compassionate patient care to help couples realise their dream of parenthood. Honoured with the ISAR Youth Icon Award in 2024, Dr Qureshi believes that discipline, perseverance, and continuous learning are key to success.
Through her patient-centred approach and commitment to innovation, she has become a trusted figure offering renewed hope to families facing infertility challenges.
Reshma Niloufer Naha has made maritime history by becoming the world’s first woman river pilot at Kolkata Port Trust in Kolkata. Trained at the Academy of Maritime Education and Training, she spent years sailing across the world before undergoing rigorous pilot training and earning her position in 2018.
Guiding massive ships through narrow and challenging river channels demands exceptional skill, physical strength, and quick decision-making—qualities that Reshma has demonstrated consistently. Honoured with the Nari Shakti Puraskar, her journey stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance and women’s empowerment, inspiring young women to pursue careers even in the most challenging and traditionally male-dominated fields.
Sara Rizvi, a 2008-batch officer of the Indian Police Service from the Gujarat cadre, has built a distinguished career marked by resilience and dedication to public service. Currently serving as Deputy Inspector General of the Udhampur–Reasi range in Jammu and Kashmir on inter-cadre deputation, she is the only woman officer in the region to hold the DIG/IG rank.
From overcoming early financial struggles and personal loss to handling critical assignments such as elections, intelligence operations, and security challenges, Rizvi has consistently demonstrated leadership and commitment. Her journey—from a determined civil services aspirant in Mumbai to a senior police officer serving in sensitive regions—stands as a powerful testament to perseverance, courage, and a deep sense of social responsibility.
Col Sofiya Qureshi has emerged as a powerful symbol of perseverance and merit in the Indian Army, challenging long-standing stereotypes about gender and identity in the armed forces. Rising through the ranks with discipline and professionalism, she has taken on demanding leadership and operational responsibilities, demonstrating that capability—not background or gender—defines a soldier’s worth.
Through her quiet determination and consistent excellence, Sofiya has inspired many young women to envision a future in uniform, proving that dedication to service and nation can break barriers and reshape perceptions.
Tuba Sanobar, a young lawyer from Seoni now based in Bengaluru, is emerging as a powerful voice for civil rights, women’s empowerment, and data privacy. With an LLM in Criminology from Osmania University, she blends legal expertise with grassroots activism, working closely with the Association for Protection of Civil Rights to raise awareness about domestic violence and minority rights.
Through initiatives like the SOZ programme and her advocacy on digital privacy and community participation, Tuba represents a new generation of lawyers who see the law not merely as a profession but as a tool for social change and dignity.
Hana Mohsin Khan has carved an inspiring path in aviation, proving that determination can overcome social labels and late beginnings. Born in Meerut and educated partly in Saudi Arabia, Hana’s journey to the cockpit was anything but conventional—moving from journalism and entrepreneurship to pursuing aviation after discovering her passion later in life.
After rigorous training in the United States and Greece, she eventually flew her first commercial flight in 2020, becoming one of the few Muslim women pilots in India.
Her story reflects resilience, curiosity, and a refusal to be confined by stereotypes, inspiring young women to pursue their ambitions with confidence and courage.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by ATV / posted by Aasha Khosa / March 12th, 2026
