India observes National Anti-Terrorism Day every year on May 21 to commemorate the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the grave threat terrorism poses to society and highlights the importance of peace, unity, and national integrity.
On May 21, 1991, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, by a suicide bomber linked to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). In response to this tragic event, the then Prime Minister V.P. Singh declared May 21 as Anti-Terrorism Day to honour Gandhi’s legacy and raise awareness about the dangers of terrorism and violence.
Every year, government offices, public sector undertakings, and educational institutions across India observe this day by taking an anti-terrorism pledge. Citizens affirm their commitment to oppose all forms of terror and violence and to promote peace, social harmony, and national unity.
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Educational Institutions and NGOs Lead Awareness Efforts as India Reaffirms Commitment to Peace and Anti-Terrorism
Schools, colleges, and universities organize debates, seminars, lectures, and discussions to engage students and youth in conversations around the consequences of terror. Non-governmental organizations and cultural bodies also conduct awareness programmes to emphasize the destructive impact of terrorism on human lives and values.
The primary objective of this day is to educate people, especially the youth, about the dangers of extremism and violence. It aims to steer them away from radical ideologies by showcasing the suffering caused by terror and its detrimental effects on the country’s development and social fabric.
On National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025, India not only pays tribute to the victims of terror but also renews its commitment to fostering peace, humanity, and national security.