Where is Rakesh Sharma, first Indian astronaut went into space, and what is he doing now?
Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian astronaut who ventured into space, holds a special place in India’s history. In 1984, his groundbreaking journey aboard the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft, lasting eight days, marked a milestone in the nation’s space exploration legacy.
Rakesh Sharma’s Space Journey
Sharma’s historic spaceflight was made possible through a collaboration between ISRO and the Soviet Interkosmos Space Program. On April 3, 1984, he ascended to space alongside two Soviet cosmonauts, Yuri Malyshev and Gennady Strekalov. During his mission, Sharma conducted experiments in space science, captured breathtaking views of Earth, and even showcased the adaptability of yoga in a weightless environment.
One of the most memorable moments of his voyage came when then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked how India looked from space. His patriotic reply, “Saare Jahan Se Accha” (Better than the rest of the world), resonated deeply with Indians and became a symbolic phrase of national pride.
Rakesh Sharma’s Career
Born on January 13, 1949, Rakesh Sharma grew up in Hyderabad, attending prominent institutions such as St. Ann’s High School, St. George’s Grammar School, and Nizam College. His ambition to serve in the armed forces led him to the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, and he joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1970.
Sharma’s military career was illustrious, including flying MIG-21s during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and completing 21 combat missions. In 1982, his selection for the space mission took him to the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, where his exceptional performance earned him the prestigious Hero of the Soviet Union title.
After his return from space, Sharma continued to serve with distinction. As Chief Test Pilot at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), he survived a near-fatal MIG-21 test flight incident with remarkable composure and resilience.
Rakesh Sharma: Life After Space
Sharma retired in 2001 and settled in Coonoor with his wife, Madhu. He enjoys a simple life, spending his days gardening, golfing, practicing yoga, reading, and traveling. Despite his monumental achievements, Sharma remains a figure of humility and quiet strength.
His name may not frequently appear in headlines today, but Rakesh Sharma’s legacy is immortalized in India’s history as a symbol of exploration, ambition, and unyielding spirit.
Rakesh Sharma’s Continuing Legacy
As India celebrated the success of Chandrayaan-3, Sharma expressed his heartfelt congratulations to ISRO, reaffirming his enduring connection to India’s space ambitions. Currently, he resides in the serene district of Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, leading a peaceful yet purposeful life. Away from the public eye, Sharma continues to contribute to India’s space missions as a member of the National Space Advisory Council for the Gaganyaan mission.