Rakesh Sharma

Exactly 40 years ago on 3 April 1984, Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to go to space. Now, he has taken charge to help train the four astronaut designates for the Gaganyaan Mission.

"I cannot believe that a man, who has been to space and has been honoured by both the Russian and Indian governments, sat with me for 45 minutes. I am truly blessed."

Sharma emphasised the importance of Indian space programme and the role it has played in the last few decades in different sectors.

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