India Observes National Anti-Terrorism Day on May 21
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Observance | May 21 |
| Commemoration | Death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi |
| Historical Event | Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on May 21, 1991, in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, by a suicide bomber associated with the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam). |
| Declaration | Declared as National Anti-Terrorism Day by the V.P. Singh government in 1991. |
| Key Objectives | - Educate citizens about the dangers of terrorism <br> - Promote peace, non-violence, and national integration <br> - Commemorate victims of terrorism <br> - Highlight the destructive impact of terrorism <br> - Discourage radicalization and glorification of violence. |
| Activities | - Anti-terrorism pledge administered <br> - Lectures, debates, seminars in educational institutions <br> - Awareness campaigns and peace marches by NGOs and civil society groups <br> - Discussions on counter-terrorism strategies and national security. |
| Anti-Terrorism Pledge | "We, the people of India, having abiding faith in our country's tradition of non-violence and tolerance, hereby solemnly affirm to oppose with our strength all forms of terrorism and violence..." |