National Anti-Terrorism Day in India is observed every year on May 21 to honor the memory of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated on this day in 1991 in Sriperumbudur near Chennai by a suicide bomber from the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam).
Rajiv Gandhi, the youngest Prime Minister of India, took office on October 31, 1984, following the assassination of Indira Gandhi. The VP Singh government established Anti-Terrorism Day to educate the public about the harmful impacts of terrorism and violence on society and the nation.
National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025
Every year on May 21, Anti-Terrorism Day is observed to educate youth about the dangers of terrorism and its impact on human lives. This day also raises awareness about the anti-social nature of terrorism. The goal is to foster national harmony, reduce terrorism, and unite people regardless of caste, creed, or gender.
News of terrorist attacks is a daily occurrence in newspapers and on TV. Terrorists aim to instill fear among ordinary people, killing thousands without remorse or conscience.
Promoting humanity and peace is essential. The Indian Government marks Anti-Terrorism Day annually to emphasize the importance of combating terrorism.
National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025 Date
Anti-Terrorism Day in India is observed every year on May 21 to mark the death anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi, the youngest Prime Minister of India. He was assassinated in 1991 by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant group seeking a separate homeland for Tamils in Sri Lanka.
National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025 History
At the age of 40, Rajiv Gandhi became the youngest Prime Minister of India. His rise to power came under very sad and difficult circumstances, following the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi, on 31 October 1984.
Rajiv Gandhi’s own life ended in tragedy as well. On 21 May 1991, he was killed by a member of the LTTE, a militant group from Sri Lanka that was fighting for a separate homeland for Tamil people.
The assassination occurred during a political rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. During the event, a suicide bomber approached Rajiv Gandhi, bent down as if to touch his feet, and then detonated the bomb, resulting in his death.
National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025 Significance
The day not only commemorates the memory of former PM Rajiv Gandhi but also aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of terrorism and violence on society. It encourages people to embrace peace and foster unity and harmony.
Additionally, it sends a global message that India is committed to fighting terrorism in all its forms. The day honors all victims of terrorism, hoping for a world free from its devastating impact.
Various organizations and educational institutions mark the day by organizing debates, discussions, and seminars on the impact of terrorism. This serves as a reminder to remain united in our efforts to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from society.
National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025 Objectives
The following are the objectives of National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025:
- Spreading the ideals of peace and humanity.
- Raising awareness about terrorist groups and their tactics.
- Fostering unity within communities.
- Educating and training youth to steer clear of terrorist recruitment.
- Alerting the nation to the perils of terrorism and its harmful impacts on individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole.
National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025 Celebrations
To enhance awareness about the dangers of terrorism and violence, debates and discussions are conducted in educational institutions like schools, colleges, and universities. Mass education programs are also arranged to shed light on the negative impacts of terrorism. Both the Central and State Governments organize rallies and parades to educate the public about the consequences of terrorism.
Additionally, special marches and gatherings are held to honor the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, where people observe two minutes of silence to pay their respects in various schools, colleges, government, and private offices.
National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025 FAQs
Q.1. What is National Anti-Terrorism Day?
Ans. National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed on May 21 to honor Rajiv Gandhi and raise awareness about terrorism’s impact.
Q.2. Why is May 21 significant?
Ans. It marks the death anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi, assassinated by the LTTE in 1991.
Q.3. How does India observe Anti-Terrorism Day?
Ans. Through rallies, debates, and moments of silence, India educates about terrorism’s impacts and promotes unity against it.
Q.4. Who established Anti-Terrorism Day?
Ans. VP Singh’s government established it to educate about terrorism’s harmful effects.
Q.5. What is the objective of Anti-Terrorism Day?
Ans. To promote peace, unity, and awareness about terrorism’s perils among individuals and society.
