On August 23, 2023, India marked its name in the history of astronomy. The Indian Space and Research Organisation made the entire nation proud after Chandrayaan-3 made a soft landing on the moon's surface. Moreover, India became the first country to land in the lunar south pole region. The Vikram lander from Chandrayaan-3 touched the moon's surface at 6:04 p.m. (IST). For the unversed, India has been actively involved in space missions and has achieved great heights in the same. And now, amid Chandrayaan-3's successful landing, let's recall the time when former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi asked Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to go to space, about how the country looks from the space.
It was on April 3, 1984, when Rakesh Sharma travelled into space. During his mission, he conducted scientific experiments and observations. However, it was his interaction with the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi that caught everyone's attention. During their interaction, the former PM of India asked him about how India looked from space. To which Rakesh Sharma proudly replied that it looks better than the entire world. Undoubtedly, this phrase holds an emotional significance to the entire country. In his words:
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"I can say without any hesitation, Saare Jahan Se Achha."
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Further, in their converstaion, Indira Gandhi asked Rakesh Sharma about how he felt upon reaching the moon. The former Indian Air Force pilot replied that his health is really good and funnily added that he is eating more than what is required. Rakesh Sharma also added how he was welcomed by the crew members when their docking took place. Talking about the same, he stated that they were welcomed by a lot of food, which was beautifully placed on a table that was covered with a table cover and plastic flowers.
Further, Indira Gandhi also congratulated Rakesh Sharma and stated that his historic move would surely inspire the young generation. She also mentioned that it will also increase awareness about space exploration in the nation. Later, Rakesh Sharma thanked her and informed her that the training he received on earth had been quite helpful during his space mission.
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Rakesh Sharma is a former Indian Air Force pilot, who was born on January 13, 1949, in Punjab. He belongs to a Punjabi Hindu Brahmin family. The former Indian Air Force pilot completed his schooling at St. George’s Grammar School. And then, he joined Nizam College, in Hyderabad for his graduation. Following his childhood dream of becoming a pilot, Rakesh Sharma joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) in July 1966. Later, he was appointed to the Indian Air Force as a pilot in 1970. Without any doubt, it was a moment of pride for him as his years of hard work and dedication paid off well.
For the unversed, the entire country has been filled with pride as India makes a historic move by reaching the moon. After the failure of Chandrayaan-2 due to a software glitch, all Indians were heartbroken. However, India bounced back as ISRO's third lunar exploration mission was completed successfully.
The conversation between Rakesh Sharma and the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi was indeed beautiful and full of pride. What do you think about it? Let us know!
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