Rakesh Sharma

Rakesh Sharma is a distinguished Indian Air Force pilot and cosmonaut, celebrated as the first Indian citizen to journey into space. Born on January 13, 1949, in Patiala, Punjab, Sharma joined the Indian Air Force in 1970 and served as a test pilot. In 1984, he was selected for a joint Indo-Soviet space mission and flew aboard the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft to the Salyut 7 space station, spending 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes in space. His mission marked a significant milestone in India's space history .

During his spaceflight, when asked by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi how India appeared from space, Sharma famously replied, “Saare Jahan Se Achha”, a line from the patriotic song "Sāre Jahān Se Achhā", expressing his deep love and pride for his country. This iconic statement resonated with millions and became a symbol of national pride. Reflecting on his experience, Sharma has said, “My mental boundaries expanded when I viewed the Earth against a black and uninviting vacuum”, highlighting the profound impact of space travel on his perspective .

After his historic space mission, Sharma continued to serve in the Indian Air Force and later contributed to India's aerospace and defense sectors. He was awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award, for his exceptional courage and contribution to the nation's space endeavors. Sharma's legacy continues to inspire generations, symbolizing India's aspirations and achievements in space exploration .