Rakesh Sharma is a former Indian Air Force pilot and cosmonaut who became the first Indian citizen to travel in space. He was born on January 13, 1949, in Patiala, Punjab, India. Sharma flew aboard the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft in April 1984 as part of the Intercosmos program, which was a Soviet space program designed to involve astronauts from allied countries. During his mission, Sharma spent eight days in space aboard the Soviet space station Salyut 7.
One of the most memorable moments of Sharma’s mission was when then-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked him how India looked from space. Sharma famously replied, “Saare jahan se achha” (better than the whole world), a line from a famous Urdu poem by Muhammad Iqbal, signifying the beauty and unity of India. After his historic spaceflight, Rakesh Sharma retired from the Indian Air Force with the rank of Wing Commander. He continues to be an inspiration to many in India and around the world for his achievements in space exploration.
VALUABLE QUOTES OF RAKESH SHARMA
“I feel sorry that I’m the only Indian to have been to space and that too, 33 years ago.” – Rakesh Sharma (Said in an Interview, 2017)
When the then PM Smt Indira Gandhi asked “How does India look from space” Sharma said, “Sare Jahan Se Achcha”
“I feel sorry that I’m the only Indian to have been to space and that too, 33 years ago.” – Rakesh Sharma (Said in an Interview, 2017)
“I would say, no, I hadn’t met God.” Most people ask him whether he has seen God in the outer space. – Rakesh Sharma
“As anyone can imagine, going up into space was a very rich and memorable experience and yes, it was unforgettable too.” – Rakesh Sharma
“Now many young mothers introduce me to their kids and tell them, ‘This uncle has been to the moon’.” – Rakesh Sharma
The more people are exposed to science, the more we will move away from superstition. – Rakesh Sharma
