IAF Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma who travelled to space
Image credits: social media
Rakesh Sharma
Rakesh Sharma flew aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11 on April 2, 1984, marking a significant milestone as the first Indian citizen to travel to space.
Image credits: social media
Indian Air Force
Born on January 13, 1949, in Patiala, Punjab, Sharma joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) and became a skilled pilot, eventually achieving the rank of Wing Commander.
Image credits: social media
First Indian to go to space
During his eight-day mission, he conducted scientific and technological experiments, contributing to various research projects while aboard the Salyut 7 space station.
Image credits: Pixabay
Saare Jahan Se Achha
During his space mission, when then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked Rakesh Sharma how India appeared from space, he famously replied, “Saare Jahan Se Achha.”
Image credits: Freepik
Ashoka Chakra
For his remarkable achievement, Sharma received numerous accolades, including the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
Image credits: iSTOCK
Rakesh Sharma’s journey
Rakesh Sharma’s journey inspired a generation of Indians and is celebrated in popular culture, including films and documentaries highlighting his contribution to space exploration.