Rakesh Sharma, born on January 13, 1949, in Patiala, Punjab, India, is a retired Indian Air Force pilot and astronaut. He made history as the first Indian to travel into space. Sharma’s journey into space began with his selection as part of a joint Indo-Soviet space mission in 1984.
Early Life and Education: Rakesh Sharma was born into a middle-class family. He attended St. Xavier’s School in Patiala and later went to the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun. He went on to complete his graduation in engineering from the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla and the Indian Air Force Academy (AFA) in Hyderabad.
Military Career: Rakesh Sharma joined the Indian Air Force in 1970 and became a pilot in the fighter squadron. His impressive skills in aviation led to his selection for the space mission. He flew MiG-21 jets during his time with the IAF, and he earned the rank of Squadron Leader.
Space Mission: In 1984, as part of a collaboration between India and the Soviet Union, Rakesh Sharma was selected as the Indian astronaut for the Soviet space mission Soyuz T-11. On April 3, 1984, he launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, along with two Soviet cosmonauts, Commander Yuri Malyshev and Researcher Gennady Strekalov.
During his mission, which lasted 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes, Sharma orbited Earth 126 times. His most famous moment came when he was asked by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, “How does India look from space?” He responded with the iconic words, “Saare Jahan Se Achha,” referring to the patriotic song “Saare Jahan Se Achha” (better than the entire world).
Post-Space Career: After returning from space, Rakesh Sharma was awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peace-time gallantry award, for his remarkable achievement. He later retired from the Indian Air Force and moved into a variety of roles, including working as a civilian with the Indian government. He was also involved in the promotion of the Indian space program.
Rakesh Sharma has remained a prominent figure in India, advocating for science, technology, and space exploration. He has been a source of inspiration for generations, especially those who aspire to contribute to the advancement of science and technology.
His contributions go beyond just space exploration, as he has played a significant role in India’s development of space programs. Despite the passage of time, Rakesh Sharma’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of astronauts and scientists.
Awards and Honors:
- Ashoka Chakra (1984)
- Padma Bhushan (1984), India’s third-highest civilian award
- Several military and civilian honors for his service and achievement
Legacy: Rakesh Sharma’s journey into space represents a landmark achievement for India. He holds a place of honor in India’s space exploration history, inspiring not just astronauts but individuals in various fields to push the boundaries of knowledge and possibilities. His words “Saare Jahan Se Achha” remain etched in the hearts of every Indian, reflecting the pride and inspiration he instilled by being the first Indian to touch the skies.
