For the first time in Indian Navy history, a brother-sister duo has been entrusted with concurrent duties. While Commander Prerna Deosthalee will command a warship under the Western Naval Command, Commander Ishan Deosthalee will do the same for another warship. This is a major achievement being implemented given both family legacy and gender progress in India's maritime forces.

Last year, Commander Prerna Deosthalee hogged the limelight as the first woman to command a warship in the Indian Navy, leading the fast attack craft INS Trinkat. Just last week, her brother, Commander Ishan Deosthalee, was bestowed with the responsibility of commanding INS Vibhuti, a Veer-class missile vessel. This vessel is associated with great distinction for Indian naval operations and was part of the ceremonial steam past presented to President Droupadi Murmu along the Arabian Sea coast in Goa.

On November 7, President Droupadi Murmu went to visit the Indian Navy's latest aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, accompanied by Chief of Navy Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, to witness an operational demonstration. Speaking in her speech, she hailed the increasing capabilities and reach of the Indian Navy, especially regarding its work of protecting lives in maritime zones.

"The Indian Navy units are deployed across vast areas for extended durations, showcasing their capabilities and strategic influence. Your positive, proactive, and swift actions have saved countless lives at sea," President Murmu stated. Reflecting on a specific incident earlier this year, she shared, "It was a special moment for me when the President of Bulgaria called to express gratitude for rescuing the Bulgarian crew from a hijacked vessel."

Now that Commander Prerna is in command of their ship, and her brother Commander Ishan in his, the Deosthalee siblings do both indeed represent pride and progress within the Indian Navy as it pushes to be the best, where family, history, and innovation go hand in hand.