The first Indian in space , Rakesh Sharma was born on 13 January 1949 in Patiala , Punjab to Hindu Gaur parents . His early education was at St.George’s grammar school , Hyderabad , India . He was admitted to the National Defense Academy as an air force plebe in July 1956 . A focused and a dedicated student, he was commissioned into the IAF( Indian Air Force) in 1970 to become a pilot ….