Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to reach outer space in April 1984. A former IAF pilot, he flew abroad the Soviet rocket Soyuz T-11 as part of a joint programme between the ISRO and the Interkosmos. During a joint television news conference from space, when the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked Sharma about how India looked from outer space, he said “Sare Jahan Se Achcha” (the best in the world).
The honour Hero of the Soviet Union was conferred upon Sharma on his return from space, making him the lone Indian recipient. India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra, was also conferred on him.
Sharma’s Russian companions aboard enjoyed Indian food in space. The dishes were prepared by the Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysore which included Pulao, Alu chholey and Sooji halwa.
Sharma carried with him portraits of the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, President Zail Singh, defence minister, Venkataraman and soil from Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s samadhi.
Picture Credit : Google
