New Delhi: May 21 is observed as Anti-terrorism day across India to commemorate the death anniversary of the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who was assassinated on this day in 1991, by LTTE cadres in a suicide bombing attack at a rally at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

First announced under V.P. Singh government after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, the day has been observed every year with the aim to highlight the importance of fighting with the activities of terrorism.

The objective behind the observance of Anti-Terrorism Day is to wean away the people from terrorism, violence and to generate awareness in the country among all sections of people about its impact on human suffering and lives. The day spreads the message of peace, humanity, unity and harmony among the people and make them aware about anti-social act of terrorism.

On this day, all the offices of Government of India, public sector and other public institutions take a pledge to put in every effort to win battle against terrorism and eradicate it from the society.

The pledge is – “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 understand among all fellow human beings and fight the forces of disruption threatening human lives and values.”

Rallies and parades are also organised by Central and State Government. Apart from offices, various educational institutes organise several other activities such as debates, discussions, symposium, pledge taking ceremony and screening of such films that raise awareness about acts of terrorism and remind us about human sufferings during various terrorist attacks in our history.