In 1984, Rakesh Sharma the first Indian in Space etched his name in history as the first Indian to venture beyond Earth’s confines, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11.
His early life was marked by curiosity and a fascination with flight, which eventually led him to pursue a degree in the National Defence Academy .
The historic mission of Rakesh Sharma and his crew aboard the spacecraft aimed to strengthen the ties between India and the Soviet Union while advancing scientific research in space.
The experience of floating in microgravity left him in sheer amazement, as he adapted to the weightless environment and the sensation of floating freely inside the spacecraft.
One of the most iconic moments during Rakesh Sharma's space mission was his heartfelt conversation with the then Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.
When asked how India looked from space, Sharma's response, "Saare Jahan Se Accha" (better than the entire world) .
Upon completing the historic Soyuz T-11 mission, Rakesh Sharma and his crew safely returned to Earth on April 11, 1984, after spending nearly eight days in space.
Rakesh Sharma's historic journey to space had a profound impact on India's space program and ignited a passion for space exploration among aspiring astronauts.