National Anti-Terrorism Day – 21st May

National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed on May 21 every year in India to commemorate the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated in a terrorist attack in 1991. The day is dedicated to spreading awareness about the consequences of terrorism and its impact on society. The objective behind the observance of this day is to wean away the youth from terrorism and the cult of violence by highlighting the suffering of common people and showing how it is prejudicial to the national interest.

The significance of National Anti-Terrorism Day lies in raising awareness among people about the adverse effects of terrorism on society and the nation as a whole. It is a day to remember the sacrifices of the brave soldiers who have lost their lives in the fight against terrorism. The day also serves as a reminder to the citizens of India to stand united against any form of terrorism and to promote peace and harmony in the country.

On this day, various events and programs are organized across the country to promote awareness about the dangers of terrorism. The government, along with various organizations, conducts seminars, debates, and discussions to educate people about the impact of terrorism on society and the importance of peace and harmony.

History of National Anti-Terrorism Day

Origin

National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed in India on May 21 every year to commemorate the death anniversary of former Indian Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi. The official announcement of National Anti-Terrorism Day was made after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi on May 21, 1991, in Tamil Nadu by a terrorist. Under the V.P. Singh government, the center decided to observe May 21st as Anti-Terrorism Day.

Significance

National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed to spread the message of peace, harmony, and humankind and to promote unity among the people. Terrorism is a global threat that knows no boundaries and affects the lives of people irrespective of their social status. The day is observed to raise awareness about the dangers of terrorism and to encourage people to work together to fight against it.

On this day, Anti-Terrorism pledge is taken in all the government offices, public sector undertakings, and other public institutions, etc. The pledge is a commitment to work towards eradicating terrorism and promoting peace and harmony in the country. The day is also marked by various events and activities organized by government and non-government organizations to raise awareness about the dangers of terrorism.

Observance of National Anti-Terrorism Day

National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed on May 21 every year in India to spread awareness about the harmful effects of terrorism and promote peace and harmony. The day is observed to commemorate the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated by a terrorist in 1991. The objective behind the observance of this day is to wean away the youth from terrorism and the cult of violence by highlighting the sufferings of common people and showing how it is prejudicial to the national interest.

Activities

On National Anti-Terrorism Day, various activities are organized across the country to promote awareness about terrorism and its impact on society. These activities include:

• Pledge taking ceremony: On this day, a pledge is taken by government officials to fight against terrorism and promote peace and harmony in the country.
• Seminars and workshops: Various seminars and workshops are organized to discuss the causes and effects of terrorism and to find ways to combat it.
• Poster and essay competitions: To create awareness among the youth, poster and essay competitions are organized in schools and colleges.

Public Participation

The observance of National Anti-Terrorism Day is not limited to government officials and organizations. The public is also encouraged to participate in various activities to promote peace and harmony in society. Some of the ways in which the public can participate are:

• Spreading awareness: The public can spread awareness about the harmful effects of terrorism and promote peace and harmony in their communities.
• Reporting suspicious activities: The public can report any suspicious activities to the authorities to prevent any terrorist activities.
• Supporting victims: The public can support the victims of terrorist attacks by providing them with financial and emotional support.

In conclusion, National Anti-Terrorism Day is an important day in India that promotes awareness about terrorism and its harmful effects on society. The observance of this day encourages people to come together and promote peace and harmony in society.

Impact and Effectiveness of National Anti-Terrorism Day

National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed on May 21st every year in India to raise awareness about the impact of terrorism on society. The objective behind this day is to inculcate a sense of unity, peace, and resilience among citizens to collectively combat this global menace.

Over the years, National Anti-Terrorism Day has played a significant role in educating the masses about the detrimental impact of terrorism on society. It has helped in promoting a sense of patriotism and national unity among citizens. The day serves as a reminder to the people of India to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

Various anti-terrorism programmes and drives have been organized in the past to achieve the objective of weaning away the youth from terrorism and the cult of violence. These programmes have helped in creating awareness among the youth about the dangers of terrorism and the importance of peace and harmony in society.

However, the effectiveness of National Anti-Terrorism Day in curbing terrorism remains a matter of debate. While the day has been successful in raising awareness about the impact of terrorism on society, it is unclear whether it has had a significant impact on reducing the incidence of terrorism in India.

Overall, National Anti-Terrorism Day serves as a reminder to the people of India to remain vigilant and united in the fight against terrorism. It is a day to honor the memory of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and to reaffirm the commitment of the people of India to peace, unity, and harmony.