Today (13th Jan) is the birthday of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma.
When it was decided that an Indian would go into space on a Soviet space ship, he volunteered for this very challenging mission. After a very rigorous selection process, he was selected as one of the two cosmonaut candidates from among 150 highly qualified and experienced pilots of the Indian Air Force. He underwent training as a cosmonaut at YURI GAGARIN Centre and completed a most arduous training schedule with distinction. 

On the 3rd April 1984, Sqn Ldr (then) Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to orbit in space abroad Soyuz T11. 
His reply, when asked how is India from space- is epic. He replied " Saare jahan see acha"
Happy birthday
Look at the logo of Soyuz T11 (doesn't it remind us of Arjuna's Chariot )