રાકેશ શર્મા

Sharma joined the Indian Air Force and progressed rapidly through the
ranks. Sharma, then a Squadron Leader and pilot with the Indian Air
Force embarked on a historic mission in 1984 as part of a joint space
program between the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Soviet
Intercosmos space program, and spent eight days in space aboard the
Salyut 7 space station. Launched along with two Soviet cosmonauts
aboard Soyuz T-11 on the 3 April 1984, Sharma was 35-year-old. During
the flight, Sharma conducted multi-spectral photography of northern
India in anticipation of the construction of hydroelectric power
stations in the Himalayas. In a famous conversation, he was asked by
the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi how India looked from space, to
which he replied, ''Main binaa jhijhak ke keh sakta hoon.., Sare Jahan
Se Achcha" (a reference to an iconic poem used in India's freedom
struggle, usually referred to as 'Saare jahaan se achha Hindustan
hamara,' our land of Hindustan, is the Best in the world').
He was conferred with the honour of Hero of Soviet Union upon his
return from space. The Government of India conferred its highest
gallantry award (during peace time), the Ashoka Chakra on him and the
other two Soviet members of his mission.

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From:-
V.K.MEVADA