Anti Terrorism Day is annually observed across India on 21st May to mark the death anniversary of former Indian Prime Minister (PM) Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated in 1991 at Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.
- 21st May 2022 marks the 31st death anniversary of 6th former Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi.
Objective:
- The day aims to wean away from the youth from terrorism and the cult of violence by highlighting the suffering of the common people.
- The day also aims to show how violence and terrorism are prejudicial to the national interest.
Background:
The government of India(GoI) led by Vishwanath Pratap Singh(VP Singh), 7th Prime Minister of India(served from 1989 to 1990), decided to observe the 21st May of every year as the Anti Terrorism day.
About Rajiv Gandhi:
i.Rajiv Gandhi became the youngest Prime Minister of India(At 40) and he was one of the youngest elected heads of Government in the world.
ii.He was born on 20th August 1944 in Bombay(now Mumbai), Maharashtra.
iii.He became the Prime Minister and Congress President in the wake of the assassination of his mother Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 31st October 1984.
iv.He was assassinated on 21st May 1991 in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.
v.He was honoured with India’s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna(posthumously) in 1991 for his contribution to the development of India.
