From Sharma to Shukla, night lights reveal India's transformation over the years

If Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to fly to space in 1984, were to travel to space once again, the view of India's night-time lights would leave him transfixed. Night-time lights as seen from space indicate economic progress and urbanisation. This is how the look of India has changed from Sharma to Shubhanshu Shukla in 2025.

From Sharma to Shukla, night lights reveal India's transformation over the years
If Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to fly to space in 1984, were to travel to space once again, the view of India's night-time lights would leave him transfixed. Night-time lights as seen from space indicate economic progress and urbanisation. This is how the look of India has changed from Sharma to Shubhanshu Shukla in 2025.