A naval officer from Hyderabad played a pivotal role in the design and construction of the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Koundinya, which has now reached the Omani coastline after navigating through the Arabian Sea. Commander Dr. Y. Hemant Kumar, a resident of Rajendranagar in Hyderabad, served as the officer-in-charge for the vessel. A qualified naval architect with a PhD from IIT Madras, Commander Kumar drew unique inspiration for the ship's design from the ancient paintings in the Ajanta Caves, which date back to the 5th century.

Under his leadership, INS Koundinya was successfully built and deployed, marking a notable achievement for the Indian Navy. 

The ship has now arrived near the Oman border region. Commander Kumar also has a sporting background, having trained in cricket under the guidance of the late renowned Hyderabad coach MR Beg. 

The contribution of this Hyderabad-based officer highlights the blend of historical inspiration, advanced engineering, and local talent in strengthening India's naval capabilities.