India Untold
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.
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.
During his eight-day mission, he conducted scientific and technological experiments, contributing to various research projects while aboard the Salyut 7 space station.
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.”
For his remarkable achievement, Sharma received numerous accolades, including the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
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.