National Anti-Terrorism Day 2024: Date, origin, significance and all you need to know

National Anti-Terrorism Day 2024 Date, Origin and Significance: The day pays tribute to the sacrifices made by those who have lost their lives in the fight against terrorism, including Rajiv Gandhi, who was killed by a suicide bomber in 1991.

National Anti-Terrorism Day 2024: The observance serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by victims of terrorism and the ongoing need for vigilance against extremist activities. (Source: Freepik)

National Anti-Terrorism Day 2024 Date and History: National Anti-Terrorism Day in India is observed annually on May 21st to honour the legacy of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the country’s sixth Prime Minister. Rajiv Gandhi tragically lost his life on May 21, 1991, in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, due to an assassination carried out by a suicide bomber from the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam).

Anti-Terrorism Day in India is observed annually to commemorate the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, serving as a reminder of the nation’s unwavering resolve to combat the scourge of terrorism and promote peace, unity, and security within its borders and globally. It encourages citizens to stand united against the forces that seek to divide and destabilise the country through acts of violence and hatred. Here is all you need to know about the day.

National Anti-Terrorism Day 2024: Date and Origin

Anti-Terrorism Day in India is commemorated annually on May 21 in remembrance of the tragic assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, India’s youngest Prime Minister, in 1991 by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). This year, it is being observed today, May 21, 2024, Tuesday.

National Anti-Terrorism Day in India is observed annually on May 21 to honour the memory of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 1991.

Rajiv Gandhi assumed office as Prime Minister following the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi, on October 31, 1984, serving from 1984 to 1989. To restore peace in Sri Lanka, Gandhi deployed Indian peacekeeping forces in 1987. This action strained relations with the LTTE, potentially contributing to his assassination during an election rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.

The inception of Anti-Terrorism Day in India by the VP Singh government serves as a reminder of the need to raise awareness about the destructive impact of terrorism and violence on society and the nation as a whole and emphasises the importance of unity to promote peace and harmony across the nation. Here is all you need to know about the day.

National Anti-Terrorism Day 2024: Significance

National Anti-Terrorism Day aims to raise awareness about the serious consequences of terrorism and the importance of maintaining peace, unity, and security. The observance serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by victims of terrorism and the ongoing need for vigilance against extremist activities.

On this day, government offices, public sector undertakings, and other public institutions across India take an anti-terrorism pledge, reaffirming their commitment to the nation’s struggle against terrorism. The pledge involves a collective vow to defend the country’s borders, promote national unity, and support victims of international terrorism

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National Anti-Terrorism Day 2024: Quotes

Here are some inspiring quotes for National Anti-Terrorism Day:

Terrorism has no nationality or religion. – Vladimir Putin
We will not tire we will not falter and we will not fail. – George W. Bush
No cause justifies terrorism. – Manmohan Singh
We cannot and will not allow the actions of a few to overshadow the values and ideals that our nations represent. – Barack Obama
Peace cannot be kept by force it can only be achieved by understanding. – Albert Einstein
In the face of terrorism, we must not only protect our citizens but also defend the values that make our societies free and just. – Angela Merkel
Victory over terrorism requires the collective effort of all nations united by a common goal of peace. – Narendra Modi
In the fight against terrorism, we must uphold the principles of human rights and the rule of law. – António Guterres