Rakesh Sharma, India’s First Astronaut Called Country ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha’ From Space, Where Is He Now?

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Do you remember who was the first Indian to travel to space? Long before space missions became headline events and astronauts became public figures, Rakesh Sharma slowly made history in 1984, carrying India beyond Earth's atmosphere for the first time. On 13 January, as he celebrates his birthday, the question feels timely: Where did India's first astronaut go once the cheers died down, and what does his life look like today?

Photo Credit: Instagram@facts4genius

From Fighter Pilot To History Maker

Born on 13 January 1949 in Patiala, Rakesh Sharma joined the Indian Air Force after training at the National Defence Academy. He was a fighter pilot long before he became a household name.

In April 1984, he flew aboard Soyuz T-11 under the Soviet Union's Interkosmos programme, becoming the first Indian citizen to travel to space. He spent nearly eight days aboard the Salyut-7 space station, conducting experiments related to human health and Earth observation.

When then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked him how India looked from space, his reply - "Saare Jahan Se Accha" became part of India's cultural memory. But for Sharma, the mission was never about slogans. It was about precision, discipline, and duty.

What Came After Space?

Unlike many who might have stayed in the spotlight, Sharma returned to work.

After retiring from the Indian Air Force as a Wing Commander, he joined Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), serving as a chief test pilot. He flew and evaluated aircraft, working behind the scenes in India's aviation ecosystem until he stepped away from active flying in 2001.

Later, he also contributed to India's space ambitions in an advisory capacity, including roles linked to ISRO's human spaceflight programmes. He was part of conversations that helped shape the thinking behind missions India is only now preparing to launch.

Where Is Rakesh Sharma Now?

So where is India's first astronaut today?

Rakesh Sharma lives a retired, private life in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, in the Nilgiris. Away from constant media attention, he spends his time reading, gardening, practising yoga, and enjoying golf.

Over the years, he has contributed to India's human spaceflight efforts in an advisory capacity, including sharing insights related to ISRO's Gaganyaan programme, but he does not hold any formal or ongoing official position today.

He appears occasionally at science and space-related events, particularly when interacting with students, and otherwise chooses to stay out of public glare. There are no daily soundbites, no social media presence, and no attempt to relive past glory.

The Legacy He Left Behind

Sharma remains the only Indian to have received the 'Hero of the Soviet Union' honour, alongside India's Ashoka Chakra. But his larger legacy isn't about awards. It's about proving - decades before Gaganyaan that India could be part of human spaceflight. It's about a generation of scientists, pilots, and engineers who grew up knowing someone from their country had already been there.

Why Is Rakesh Sharma Significant Today

As India prepares for new astronaut missions, Rakesh Sharma's name returns to conversations.On his birthday today, remembering Rakesh Sharma isn't about celebrating the past alone. It's about recognising a life that moved forward after its biggest moment - calmly, purposefully, and on its own terms.