Anti-terrorism day

Anti-terrorism day is observed annually on May 21 to generate awareness in the country, among all sections of people, about the danger of terrorism and violence and its effect on the people, society and the country as a whole.

Anti-terrorism day
Date	May 21
Next time	21 May 2026 (2026-05-21)
Frequency	Annual

History

The day came into being after India's former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a female suicide bomber of the Liberation of Tamil Tiger Eelam (LTTE) terrorist organization during a campaign in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991. Rajiv Gandhi became the victim of a suicide bombing, which also resulted in around 14 other people being killed. Post the incident, the government under V. P. Singh decided to observe the day Rajiv Gandhi died as an Anti-terrorism day.

The objective behind the observance of this day is to wean away the people from terrorism and violence. On the occasion, debates, discussions, seminars and lectures are held in schools, colleges and universities on the dangers of terrorism and violence. Many NGOs and social and cultural organizations also organize their own programmes to highlight the ill effects of violence and terrorism. Anti-terrorism, anti-violence pledge is taken in all government offices, public sector undertakings and other public institutions.

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 strength, all forms of terrorism and violence. We pledge to uphold and promote peace, social harmony, and understanding among all fellow human beings and fight the forces of disruption threatening human lives and values".