Col Qureshi, Wg CDR Vyomika to Be Faces of BJP’s Campaign on 11 Yrs of Modi Govt
New Age Islam News Bureau
01 June 2025
• Col Qureshi, Wg Cdr Vyomika To Be Faces Of BJP’s Campaign On 11 Yrs Of Modi Govt
• Colonel Sofiya Qureshi Key To BJP Minority Outreach: Bid To Project Sindoor Face As 'Inspiration'
• Menstruating Women Should Make Standard Haj Intention, Not Conditional, Says Perlis Deputy Mufti
• Moroccan Women Embroider ‘Art With Purpose’
• From Hostility To Hope: Afghanistan Women's Cricket Sees A New Dawn
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/col-qureshi-wg-cdr-vyomika-faces-campaign/d/135736
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Col Qureshi, Wg Cdr VyomikaTo Be Faces Of BJP’s Campaign On 11 Yrs Of Modi Govt
Jun 1, 2025
Lucknow: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who led India's press briefings on Operation Sindoor, will be the faces of an ambitious women-centric campaign scheduled to be rolled out by the BJP on the completion of 11 years of the Narendra Modi-led govt on June 9.
The BJP has asked its minority wing to mobilise its cadres to organise "chaupals" highlighting Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as "role models" for women, particularly from minority communities.
BJP's Minority Morcha national president Jamal Siddiqui told TOI thay the campaign would be carried out around minority institutions, mosques, dargahs, gurudwaras and churches situated in all organisational divisions across the country. The first chaupal is proposed to be organised in Delhi's Shaheen Bagh — the epicentre of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2019.
"The idea is to mobilise women and make them feel empowered," Siddiqui said, stressing that the campaign will aim to encourage women to join the NCC and Agniveer Scheme. "Military training can come in handy in every possible way for women in everyday lives or dealing with domestic violence," he said.
Political experts said that the selection of Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as the face of a women-centric campaign by the BJP marks a strategic move that seeks to blend military valour, national pride and gender empowerment into a powerful political narrative. An analyst said that women-centric policies and empowerment become a key pillar in showcasing governance successes. In fact, in the recent elections, women emerged as critical swing voters, especially in politically crucial states like Uttar Pradesh.
Colonel Qureshi, who addressed the media a day after India's 'Operation Sindoor' to target nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, is a highly decorated officer in the Indian Army's Corps of Signals. Born in Gujarat, she made history as the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military drill ‘Exercise Force 18' held in Pune and involving 18 ASEAN Plus nations. She was also the only female contingent commander in the event. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who co-led the media briefing on Operation Sindoor, is a distinguished helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force and a first-generation military officer.
Sources said the BJP's campaign will also be designed to consolidate women's support by highlighting schemes like Ujjwala Yojana, Beti Bachao, BetiPadhao, and the women's reservation bill.
Siddiqui said the campaign will be further widened to reach out to the minority communities and apprise them of the key welfare measures initiated by the Modi govt. Key schemes proposed to be highlighted in the process include PM Awas Yojana, PM Jan Dhan Scheme, PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which benefited all sections, including Muslims.
He added that the party would also distribute copies of the Constitution among the minority community, making them aware of their rights, besides preventing them from getting swayed by "malicious narratives" peddled by the opposition parties. Experts highlight that the campaign attains much significance in light of sustained criticism faced by the BJP over the perceived alienation of minorities, primarily Muslims. Sources said the saffron outfit desperately seeks to reframe its relationship with minorities through development-centric messaging rather than ideologically.
Lucknow: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who led India's press briefings on Operation Sindoor, will be the faces of an ambitious women-centric campaign scheduled to be rolled out by the BJP on the completion of 11 years of the Narendra Modi-led govt on June 9.
The BJP has asked its minority wing to mobilise its cadres to organise "chaupals" highlighting Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as "role models" for women, particularly from minority communities.
BJP's Minority Morcha national president Jamal Siddiqui told TOI thay the campaign would be carried out around minority institutions, mosques, dargahs, gurudwaras and churches situated in all organisational divisions across the country. The first chaupal is proposed to be organised in Delhi's Shaheen Bagh — the epicentre of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2019.
"The idea is to mobilise women and make them feel empowered," Siddiqui said, stressing that the campaign will aim to encourage women to join the NCC and Agniveer Scheme. "Military training can come in handy in every possible way for women in everyday lives or dealing with domestic violence," he said.
Political experts said that the selection of Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as the face of a women-centric campaign by the BJP marks a strategic move that seeks to blend military valour, national pride and gender empowerment into a powerful political narrative. An analyst said that women-centric policies and empowerment become a key pillar in showcasing governance successes. In fact, in the recent elections, women emerged as critical swing voters, especially in politically crucial states like Uttar Pradesh.
Colonel Qureshi, who addressed the media a day after India's 'Operation Sindoor' to target nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, is a highly decorated officer in the Indian Army's Corps of Signals. Born in Gujarat, she made history as the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military drill ‘Exercise Force 18' held in Pune and involving 18 ASEAN Plus nations. She was also the only female contingent commander in the event. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who co-led the media briefing on Operation Sindoor, is a distinguished helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force and a first-generation military officer.
Sources said the BJP's campaign will also be designed to consolidate women's support by highlighting schemes like Ujjwala Yojana, Beti Bachao, BetiPadhao, and the women's reservation bill.
Siddiqui said the campaign will be further widened to reach out to the minority communities and apprise them of the key welfare measures initiated by the Modi govt. Key schemes proposed to be highlighted in the process include PM Awas Yojana, PM Jan Dhan Scheme, PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which benefited all sections, including Muslims.
He added that the party would also distribute copies of the Constitution among the minority community, making them aware of their rights, besides preventing them from getting swayed by "malicious narratives" peddled by the opposition parties. Experts highlight that the campaign attains much significance in light of sustained criticism faced by the BJP over the perceived alienation of minorities, primarily Muslims. Sources said the saffron outfit desperately seeks to reframe its relationship with minorities through development-centric messaging rather than ideologically.
Source: Timesofindia.com
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Colonel Sofiya Qureshi key to BJP minority outreach: Bid to project Sindoor face as 'inspiration'
J.P. Yadav
01.06.25
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
File picture
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The BJP has drawn up plans to use Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the face of Operation Sindoor media briefings, as an “inspirational figure” for the party’s outreach among Muslim women on the first anniversary of the Modi government’s third term.
The president of the BJP’s minority wing, Jamal Siddiqui, said the party would hold chaupals (community gatherings) across the country from June 9 to inspire Muslim women to join the armed forces, using the “story of Col Qureshi”.
This comes against the backdrop of Qureshi’s family members participating in a Vadodara road show of Prime Minister Narendra Modi early this week, widely seen as an effort to squeeze political mileage out of the military offensive against Pakistan.
“Colonel Sofiya Qureshi has held the head of India, its culture and even Islam high by her leadership qualities. We plan to use her story to inspire our Muslim daughters and sisters to join the armed forces,” said Siddiqui, the head of the BJP’s minority wing.
He said the programme would be launched from Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh as part of different events to mark the first anniversary of the third Modi government on June 9.
Shaheen Bagh had emerged as the epicentre of the protests against the Modi government’s contentious Citizenship Amendment Act in December 2019. Helmed by women, the protest had lasted four months amid the pandemic until police imposed Section 144 and cleared the protesters.
Siddiqui denied allegations that the use of Qureshi’s name amounted to exploiting the forces for political gains. “What is wrong with using the story of a woman army officer to inspire our daughters and sisters? Muslim girls are discouraged from joining the armed forces under the wrong perception that Islam doesn’t allow it. We want to use Col Qureshi’s example to bust this notion,” he said.
The BJP leader said they would motivate Muslim girls to join the National Cadet Corps, opt for higher studies and join the armed forces to contribute to the country and empower themselves.
Siddiqui said they would not use pictures of Qureshi in army fatigues to avoid accusations of using the military for political purposes. The details, including posters and banners, haven’t been finalised yet, he said, adding that the chaupals would be led by women members associated with the BJP’s minority wing.
Siddiqui condemned Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah’s tasteless “sister of terrorists” remark aimed at Qureshi, for which he has still not been punished by the BJP.
“Nobody in the party has supported the remarks. The matter is in the court, and the minister has also apologised,” he said. Shah has been excoriated by the Supreme Court, and Madhya Pradesh High Court has got an FIR registered against him.
The BJP has been undertaking Tiranga Yatras across the country to mark the success of Operation Sindoor and plans to continue them till the anniversary celebrations.
Siddiqui said that during their outreach, they would also tell Muslim women how the Modi government had been empowering women through measures such as the abolition of triple talaq, women’s reservation and the waqf law amendments.
Source: Www.Telegraphindia.com
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Menstruating women should make standard Haj intention, not conditional, says Perlis deputy mufti
01 Jun 2025
MECCA, June 1 — Female pilgrims who are menstruating do not need to make a conditional intention (niat ihram) when beginning their Haj rituals. Instead, they should make the standard intention for Haj to ensure their worship remains valid according to Islamic law.
Perlis deputy mufti and Haj advisory chief, TajulUrus Abdul Halim, said making a conditional intention is not encouraged, as it may affect the validity or completeness of the Haj.
“Women are advised not to make a conditional intention because the Haj journey in the Holy Land spans several days, so it is best to avoid doing so.
“If a woman makes a conditional intention, there is a risk her Haj may be considered invalid or incomplete if the condition attached to the intention is mistakenly believed to have been fulfilled.” he said.
TajulUrus added that making the intention (niat) is one of the main pillars of Haj and must be done either when leaving the accommodation or at the miqat (the designated place for ihram), regardless of whether the woman is menstruating or not.
“If a woman does not make the intention for Haj, she cannot perform the pilgrimage. Therefore, she must make the intention first, even if she is menstruating, as menstruation does not invalidate the Haj intention,” he said.
He explained that menstruating women may still perform all the essential and obligatory rituals - such as standing (wukuf) in Arafah, spending the night (mabit) in Muzdalifah and Mina, and performing the stoning of the jamrah, except for the tawaf, which must be postponed until they are in a state of purity.
TajulUrus also clarified that pilgrims performing Haj and offering a sacrificial animal (qurban) are not bound by the recommended etiquettes followed by those performing qurban alone.
“They are not required to avoid actions such as cutting nails or removing hair, as these etiquettes are only encouraged for those offering a sacrifice but not performing Haj,” he said.
He further advised pilgrims to make proper preparations before starting their journey, including trimming nails and attending to personal grooming, to ensure comfort throughout the Haj.
Source: Www.Malaymail.Com
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Moroccan women embroider ‘art with purpose’
May 31, 2025
SIDI RBAT, Morocco: In a small village on the coast of southern Morocco, women gather in a house to create collaborative works of textile art, and also earn a living.
Several hunch over large canvasses, embroidering their latest piece at the women-only workshop, in the village of 400 people. Some of their works have been shown internationally.
Just 19 percent of Moroccan women hold steady jobs, according to official figures, and in rural areas they are particularly affected by poverty, unpaid labor and a lack of opportunity.
Margaux Derhy founded the workshop in 2022 in her father’s native village of SidiR’bat, around 70 kilometers (45 miles) south of Agadir, to fulfil her “dream to make art with purpose.”
The project uses textiles and old photographs to explore her family heritage before they left the country in the 1960s, turning sepia-toned portraits and scenes into large silk-and-linen canvases.
“I wanted to be engaged on the ground,” said Derhy, adding that she hired 10 local women to work full-time for a monthly salary exceeding Morocco’s private-sector minimum wage of 3,045 dirhams ($330).
The women’s hands glide over frames that were once used by Paris’s prestigious Maison Lesage, the world-famous embroidery house that has worked with some of the greatest names in fashion.
The creative process is collaborative, with Derhy drawing an outline and the team then gathering to choose the threads and color palette for each section.
The finished works, priced at up to $5,620, have been shown in exhibitions in Marrakech, Paris and Brussels. Future exhibits are planned for Casablanca’s L’Atelier 21 and Tabari Artspace Gallery in Dubai.
Her mother, AichaJout, 50, a widow who once gathered mussels and raised livestock to support her family, is now one of the embroiderers.
Source: Timesofindia.Com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2602886/middle-east
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From hostility to hope: Afghanistan women's cricket sees a new dawn
Sabyasachi Chowdhury
May 31, 2025
The Ashraf Ghani-led government, backed by the United States, collapsed after the Taliban seized control of Kabul. With their return came rules and restrictions that became a nightmare for Afghan women: They were barred from studying, playing sports, or participating in activities that could offer them freedom or influence. Among the casualties under the Taliban regime was cricket.
In 2010, just a year after the Afghan men’s team gained ODI status, the women’s team was formed - defying long-standing beliefs that the world of sports was no place for women in the country. By 2020, 25 Afghan women cricketers had been awarded professional contracts, sparking hope that they too could rise to global acclaim - just like Rashid Khan, RahmanullahGurbaz, and other male stars.
But those dreams were shattered in 2021 with the Taliban’s return to power. 19 of those contracted players were forced to flee their homeland and seek refuge in Australia. Among them was Firooza Amiri, who has since found a new beginning - living safely in Australia and continuing to pursue her passion by playing club cricket.
“Yes, it’s been heartbreaking. Ever since the Taliban took over, I knew things were going to change - especially for women, and even more so for women athletes. I could sense that the situation would become much worse for us,” Amiri told India Today Digital in an exclusive interview.
“Walking away from everything I had worked so hard for over so many years was incredibly painful. But at the same time, I felt anger - and determination. I knew I couldn't give up, even in the face of that reality. So I made the decision to keep going, even if it meant starting over in a new country. And I did.”
Amiri hails from Herat, a city in western Afghanistan renowned for its rich literary heritage and historic landmarks, including the iconic Herat Citadel. Beyond its cultural significance, Herat also plays a key role in the country’s football scene and even hosted the 2024-25 season of the Afghanistan Champions League at the Herat Football Federation Stadium.
But for Amiri, it was cricket - not football - that captured her heart, thanks to the influence of her sister. Once she picked up a bat, her curiosity quickly turned into a burning passion. Driven by the dream of wearing the national jersey and representing Afghanistan, she never looked back. Today, that dream has evolved - Amiri is determined to be a trailblazer and help revolutionise women’s cricket in her homeland.
“I grew up in Herat, in the western part of Afghanistan. It's a city rich in culture, art, and architecture. Cricket isn’t very popular there, especially for women, but my journey with the sport began thanks to my older sister, who’s also a player. At first, I picked up the bat out of curiosity, but from the moment I held it, cricket became my passion,” Amiri said.
“Even though Afghanistan doesn't currently have a women’s national cricket team, playing was never just about the game for me. It became a deeper mission - I’ve always wanted to be one of the first girls to represent Afghanistan in cricket. I truly believe that I can be one of the girls who helps change the narrative for women in sports in our country.”
For Amiri, the road to playing cricket and chasing her dreams became even more challenging under the Taliban regime. Despite the challenges, Amiri remains hopeful. Armed with a diploma in Sports and Business from Cricket Australia, she believes in the untapped potential of Afghan women.
“The philosophy of the Taliban goes against everything I believe in. While the rest of the world is moving forward - empowering women to lead and succeed - they want to control and suppress women in Afghanistan. I strongly believe that every society needs women in leadership roles,” Amiri said.
“Afghan women are incredibly strong, and I have no doubt they can lead - not just in sports, but in every field - if they’re given the opportunity. And we’ve already seen that: when Afghan women are given a chance, they rise.”
While many countries around the world are championing women’s empowerment and fostering female leadership, Afghanistan has moved in the opposite direction - finding new ways to suppress and control its women. What began as acts of open defiance gradually faded, as many women were forced into silence, practicing in private and out of sight from the Taliban.
“In the beginning, when the Taliban took over, there was some resistance. People tried to hold on to hope. I’m not in touch with many now, but I do know that some girls are still playing - still practicing quietly, in private. They’re holding on to their passion in silence.
"But under the Taliban regime, doing that is incredibly risky. It's dangerous. And yet, despite that, some of them continue - because it means that much to them,” Amiri added.
For Amiri and other Afghan women cricketers, former Australian cricketer Mel Jones was a guardian angel. She played a crucial role in helping 120 individuals - including Amiri, her teammates NahidaSapan and Benafsha Hashimi, and their families - by arranging humanitarian visas that enabled their escape.
The journey came at a heavy emotional cost. To avoid detection, the players had to burn their beloved cricket jerseys - symbols of their passion and pride. They travelled in small, discreet groups, as the journey from Afghanistan to Australia was fraught with danger at every step.
“If I could describe Mel, I’d say she’s an incredible person - truly an inspiring advocate for women’s rights in sport. She was one of the few amazing women who stepped up and supported us when we needed it most. Mel used her platform, her voice, and her connections to bring attention to what was happening in Afghanistan,” Amiri said.
“She dedicated so much of her time and effort to helping us - from assisting us in escaping Afghanistan to helping us settle in Australia. Our journey - mine and the other girls' - was filled with fear and uncertainty. But knowing that someone like Mel, along with other incredible women in Australia, was standing beside us gave us the strength and hope to begin again in a completely new country.”
The year 2025 has been a landmark one for Afghan women cricketers. In January, they played their first competitive match - a T20 game between the Afghanistan Women’s XI and Cricket Without Borders XI - at the Junction Oval in Melbourne. The historic fixture took place just before the Day-Night Women’s Ashes Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, adding to its significance.
Canberra and Melbourne have become home for Amiri and many of her teammates. Reflecting on the moment, Amiri described the experience as a feeling of home. She emphasised how important the match was - not just as a game, but as a statement. For these women, once silenced in a war-stricken nation, the match was proof that they were not merely refugees- they were athletes, determined to show the world who they truly are.
“The match we played on the 30th of January was more than just a game - it was more than just cricket. It was our first official match in Australia, and for many of us, it was the first time in years that we could play freely. The crowd was incredibly supportive - it truly felt like home,” Amiri said.
“Since arriving in Australia, I’ve felt that this country has given me everything to help make it my second home. But when we stepped onto the field that day, it wasn’t just a feeling - it was home. For many of us, the cricket ground has always been a place where we feel we belong. We often say, the ground is home - and on that day, it truly was.”
“That match reminded us of who we are. After three years, we were cricketers again. We were not just refugees, not just victims - we were athletes, representing Afghanistan from afar. And that meant everything. It made us incredibly proud, knowing that we were also representing millions of Afghan women just by stepping onto that pitch,” Amiri added.
Cricket Australia has been a vocal supporter of the growth of Afghan women’s cricket. In protest against the Taliban’s continued suppression of women in Afghanistan, Australia has refrained from engaging in any bilateral cricket series with the Afghan men’s team. However, the two sides continue to face each other in ICC-sanctioned events.
“Cricket Australia has played a huge leadership role in our lives - from the moment we left Afghanistan and began rebuilding in Australia, they’ve been there for us. They gave us every opportunity we needed to keep playing and to start a new life here,” Amiri said.
“We will never forget that Cricket Australia was the first board to speak out for us. They were also the first to take a stand by cancelling a match against Afghanistan, sending a powerful message to the world about what it means to stand for equality and support women in sport,” Amiri said.
Amiri is not in contact with any current or former Afghan male cricketers, primarily due to safety concerns for both the players and their families.
“No, unfortunately, I’m not in direct contact with any of the players. From what I’ve heard, many of them can’t speak publicly - mostly for their own safety and the safety of their families.
“But I believe that many of them are aware of what’s happening to Afghan women, and I believe they understand how strong and determined we are in the face of everything,” Amiri said.
However, she believes that the Afghan men’s team - given their global recognition - has the power to make a meaningful statement in support of the growth of Afghan women’s cricket.
“Yes, absolutely. I believe they have the platform and the audience - even a single strong statement from them can make a global impact. I’ve come to realise the power of that influence, and I’ve decided to use it - not just for us, but for the future of Afghan sport, and for all those who still don’t have a voice,” Amiri added.
After remaining in the shadows for quite some time, Afghan women cricketers have finally found a lifeline through the International Cricket Council (ICC), which has partnered with Cricket Australia (CA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide essential funding and support for their development. The initiative is only restricted to the bunch of cricketers who are in exile at the moment.
“We have only just heard about the ICC funding and are waiting for more details, so we can’t fully comment on it yet. However, we are very grateful that the ICC has acknowledged our journey and formed a task force. We hope that this task force includes voices from our community,” Amiri said.
“Our goal remains to keep improving and to play for Afghanistan at the highest level possible. With continued support from the ICC, Pitch Our Future, and the Australian cricket community, we believe this is achievable,” Amiri added.
Amiri is a huge fan of Virat Kohli, the world record holder for the most centuries in ODIs. Today, ODI cricket is the only international format in which Kohli continues to play. He retired from T20 Internationals after last year’s Men’s T20 World Cup, and earlier in May, he brought an end to his Test career - finishing as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the format.
“It was very emotional to see him announce his retirement from this format. It truly feels like the end of an era. But above all, I’m so grateful to have been part of a generation that had the chance to watch him play and learn so much from him,” Amiri said.
Among female cricketers, Amiri looks up to the legendary Ellyse Perry, who is not only known for her remarkable achievements in cricket but also for her rare feat of representing Australia in both cricket and football. Perry played for the Australian football team in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup and made her cricket debut at just 16. Since then, she hasn’t looked back and continues to be a dominant force in women’s sport.
“There are many strong women who have changed the history of cricket in every country. Every cricketing nation has women who have made a lasting impact. But for me, Ellyse Perry has always been a huge inspiration.
“I really admire her discipline and her calmness under pressure. She’s not just an incredible player, but also a wonderful person - a great role model both on and off the field,” Amiri added.
Despite Afghanistan being a full member of the ICC, it remains a sobering reality that the country still lacks a recognised women’s cricket team. However, with Cricket Australia stepping up and the ICC now extending its support, there is finally a glimmer of hope for the future of women’s cricket in Afghanistan.
While restrictions under the Taliban regime continue to stifle opportunities for female athletes, change is still possible. More voices like FiroozaAmiri’s are needed - people who are unafraid to speak out, challenge the status quo, and pave the way for a new generation.
Source: Www.Indiatoday.In
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/col-qureshi-wg-cdr-vyomika-faces-campaign/d/135736