Operation Sindoor on silk: Varanasi trader weaves tribute saris for Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, wing commander Vyomika Singh

VARANASI: Inspired by their remarkable contribution to Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, a Varanasi-based sari trader has designed special saris to honour the bravery of Col Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army and wing commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force. Colonel Sophia, who addressed the media on May 7 following India's retaliatory strikes, is a highly decorated officer in the Indian Army's Corps of Signals. Born in Gujarat, she had earlier made history as the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military drill ‘Exercise Force 18' in Pune involving 18 ASEAN Plus nations. She was also the only female contingent commander in the event.Wing commander Singh, who co-led the media briefing on Operation Sindoor, is a distinguished helicopter pilot and a first-generation military officer. Their leadership in Operation Sindoor marks a turning point in military history, proving that gender is no barrier when it comes to defending the nation. With meticulous attention to detail, Shubham has captured the essence of their courageous efforts in the intricate designs.Shubham wishes to gift these unique saris to the officers as a token of appreciation for their exceptional service.The saris, crafted by traditional artisans, uniquely depict the essence of Operation Sindoor through intricate designs and motifs and are a tribute to the valour of the armed forces. Aircraft, camouflage patterns, and regimental insignias of the Army, Air Force, and Navy are woven into the fabric, symbolising the unity and determination displayed by the armed forces during the joint operation. Each sari is a testament to the bravery and coordination of the military personnel involved.The trader's careful conceptualisation and the artisans' skilled craftsmanship have resulted in a distinctive and meaningful tribute to the operation's heroes."I was greatly moved by Operation Sindoor launched to avenge Pahalgam terror attack. The way our armed forces contributed to the success of Operation Sindoor inspired me to do something meaningful," the trader said. "Yeh meri taraf se ek chhota sa sammaan hai (This is a small tribute from my side)" he said.The design team behind the saris spent weeks researching news footage, interviews and reports on Operation Sindoor to ensure the artwork's accuracy. They intricately wove scenes of ground maneuvers, airborne formations, and warships into the fabric, capturing the operation's essence. Each sari took five artisans a week to weave, with every detail meticulously crafted to reflect the operation's significance.Through this gesture, the trader aims to honour the bravery of Operation Sindoor's heroes and inspire future generations to take pride in India's uniformed heroes.Asked about the price of the sari, Shubham said that the collection is not meant for sale. It is only aimed at saluting the valour of Operation Sindoor, he added.Shubham's 50-year-old shop in Varanasi's Chowk area is renowned for its exquisite Banarasi collection. His latest creations feature intricate designs that pay tribute to India's military prowess. "You'll see the S-400 missile, likened to India's Sudarshan Chakra, the BrahMos missile that keeps Pakistan on edge, INS Vikrant of the Indian Navy, and the Indian Army," he explained. "We've tried to showcase the entire armed forces involved in Operation Sindoor... Inspired by the operation and the Prime Minister's leadership, Shubham aims to gift these sarees to soldiers to boost their morale, driven by a desire to contribute to the nation," he said.