Description
In April 1984, Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to go into space, aboard the Soyuz T-11 rocket. Despite his giant leap, Sharma remained decidedly down-to-earth. “Don’t you feel like a tiny human being up there, dwarfed by the endless space?” he was asked. “Certainly,” replied Sharma. “It’s mind boggling.”
Seen here: A portrait of Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma, as published in the Hindustan Times edition dated 3rd April 1984.