Anti-Terrorism Day [May 21]: Theme, Significance

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Apr 8, 2023, 21:37

Anti-Terrorism Day is celebrated on May 21 in India to help people become aware of terrorist activities and the threat they pose to human life and peace. Terrorism comes in many forms and leads to disruption in the normal functioning of society. Anti-Terrorism Day was established to discourage civilian participation in terrorism.

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare organizes this day and spreads the message of maintaining peace in the nation. In this article, we have shared more about Anti-Terrorism Day, its theme, history, and importance.

Anti-Terrorism Day 2023

Anti-Terrorism Day marks the day on which former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by terrorists. All terrorist acts cause panic and destruction and lead to the loss of life and peace. The Indian Government declared May 21 as Anti-Terrorism Day to re-emphasize the idea that terrorism is an illegal activity.

The government and other organizations together plan events, conferences, and public awareness campaigns on this day to make people aware of the dangers of terrorism. Learn more about Anti-Terrorism Day from the table shared below.

Day

Anti-Terrorism Day

Observed

May 21

Established

Government of India

Aim

To raise awareness about the level of destruction and disharmony that acts of terrorism cause

Anti-Terrorism Day 2023 Theme

The theme of National Anti-Terrorism Day revolves around highlighting the instances of terrorism that create disturbance in the nation. It aims to help people consciously avoid participating in activities that may seem harmful to others or to the nation.

The government of India established Anti-Terrorism Day on May 21. Every year, people participate in the celebration of this day to spread the message of peace and harmony. Anti-Terrorism Day 2023 theme has not been announced yet.

National Anti-Terrorism Day History

On May 21, 1991, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by an LTTE terrorist. Anti-Terrorism Day is a reminder to all of that horrifying day and the disharmony it brought in the nation. Here is more information on the history of National Anti-Terrorism Day.

  • On May 21, 1991, a suicide bomber of the Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eelam (LTTE) approached Rajiv Gandhi at his INC rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.
  • After approaching the Prime Minister, the bomber bent down as if to touch the feet of the Prime Minister.
  • As soon as the bomber bent down, an explosion took place which resulted in the death of the Prime Minister as well as 25 other innocent people.
  • Anti-Terrorism Day is celebrated to commemorate this occasion and honor Rajiv Gandhi.

Objective of Anti-Terrorism Day

The main objective behind National Anti-Terrorism Day is to encourage people to pledge against partaking in any illegal activities that can disrupt the peace of the nation. Here are some other aims of Anti-Terrorism Day.

  • On this day, people are made to realize the importance of maintaining peace in society.
  • Anti-Terrorism Day falls on May 21 and commemorates the day when Rajiv Gandhi, India’s former Prime Minister was assassinated.
  • On National Anti-Terrorism Day, people pay their respects to Rajiv Gandhi.

National Anti-Terrorism Day Significance

Spreading the message against terrorism through initiatives like Anti-Terrorism Day is important. Terrorism is an activity that costs people their lives, their property and their freedom. Such activities must be stopped before they can cause destruction in society.

National Anti-Terrorism Day is significant because it spreads the message of peace. On this day, people are encouraged to look past their differences and co-exist peacefully in society.

How to Celebrate Anti-Terrorism Day?

National Anti-Terrorism Day falls on May 21 and is celebrated throughout the country. The governments of all states encourage the celebration of this day. Here are some ways in which Anti-Terrorism Day is celebrated in India:

  • On this day, people educate themselves about terrorist activities and the harm they cause.
  • Anti-Terrorism Day is a day that highlights the consequence of partaking in terrorism, which include imprisonment, death sentence, etc.
  • On National Anti-Terrorism Day, people pay their respects to Rajiv Gandhi, who was killed by a suicide bomber in Tamil Nadu during one of his political campaigns.
  • People also celebrate Anti-Terrorism Day by pledging their loyalty to their nation.
  • On this day, the government organizes events and seminars about terrorism and its impact on society.

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FAQ on Anti-Terrorism Day

Q1. When is Anti-Terrorism Day?

Anti-Terrorism Day is observed on May 21 in India. This day was established after the May 21, 1991 incident, when India’s former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a terrorist. Anti-Terrorism Day raises awareness about the dangers and destruction that terrorism brings.

Q2. What is the theme of Anti-Terrorism Day?

The theme of Anti-Terrorism is to highlight how terrorism disrupts and destroys peace, human life and property in a nation. Anti-Terrorism Day is celebrated every year on May 21 to spread the message of peace and to also mark the day on which former Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by terrorists.

Q3.Why is Anti-Terrorism Day celebrated?

Anti-Terrorism is celebrated to commemorate the day when former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi was cruelly assassinated by a terrorist. This day raises awareness about the threat of terrorism and encourages people to live with peace and harmony.

Q4. Who started Anti-Terrorism Day?

The Ministry of Family and Health Welfare, Government of India announced Anti-Terrorism Day on May 21. This day was established to talk about the destruction that terrorism brings and to encourage peace among people. Anti-Terrorism Day is celebrated every year in India on May 21.

Q5. Why is May 21 celebrated as Anti-Terrorism Day?

May 21 is a special date in the history of our nation. On May 21, 1991, Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a terrorist of the Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eelam (LTTE) in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. To commemorate this day and honor the former PM, Anti-Terrorism Day is celebrated on May 21.

Q6. Why is Anti-Terrorism Day important?

Anti-Terrorism Day is important to celebrate because it spreads the message of maintaining peace and harmony. This day encourages people to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police. Anti-Terrorism Day is celebrated every year on May 21.