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National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025: Terrorism is a serious threat that affects peace, harmony, and unity in any country. In India, Anti-Terrorism Day is observed every year on May 21, marking the martyrdom of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. He was assassinated in 1991 by a suicide bomber in Tamil Nadu, a tragic event that shook the nation. The martyrdom of Rajiv Gandhi reminds us how dangerous terrorism can be for national security and for innocent lives.
Anti-Terrorism Day 2025, falling on Wednesday, May 21, is a national observance in India dedicated to raising terrorism prevention awareness. It encourages every Indian to stand united against violence and protect the values of peace and democracy. The day promotes the message of unity in diversity, reminding us that only through mutual respect and understanding can we fight hatred and fear. Not just the Indian government, but every citizen has a role in rejecting terror and spreading peace.
What is National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025?
National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025 aims to educate citizens about the harmful effects of terrorism and the need to uphold human rights, democratic values, and constitutional ideals. This day is especially significant in Indian political history, as it marks a turning point in the fight against terrorism after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi.
Schools, colleges, and various institutions conduct educational events against terrorism to inform the youth about peace, non-violence, and the importance of respecting every human life. Public awareness campaigns on terrorism are also launched nationwide to highlight the importance of national security and social unity.
By observing this day, India reinforces its commitment to peace and a terror-free society. The purpose is not just to remember a tragic past but to build a better future. National days to promote peace in India like this remind us that violence divides, but harmony unites.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Observance | National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025 |
| Date | 21st May 2025 |
| Day | Wednesday |
| Purpose | To spread terrorism prevention awareness, promote peace and harmony, and honour the martyrdom of Rajiv Gandhi and other victims |
| First Observed | Following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 |
| Established By | Government of India under the leadership of V.P. Singh |
| Historical Significance | Marks the day of Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination in Tamil Nadu by a suicide bomber on 21 May 1991 |
| Activities Held | Pledge ceremonies, awareness rallies, debates, educational events against terrorism, and public campaigns for peace |
| Observed By | Government offices, educational institutions, and public/private organisations across India |
| 2025 Theme | Yet to be announced |
| Associated Laws | UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act), NIA Act, and other Indian government anti-terror initiatives |
Anti-Terrorism Day Date in India 2025
India will observe Anti-Terrorism Day on 21st May, Wednesday 2025. Every year, the Government of India marks this day to honour the memory of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated on this date in 1991 by the LTTE.
The main aim of this day is to spread awareness about terrorism, its harmful impact on innocent lives, and to promote peace and unity. Schools, colleges, and government offices organize pledges and programs to strengthen the nation’s fight against terrorism.
Also Check: Slogans on Terrorism
National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025 History
- National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed in May on 21st in India.
- This day marks the martyrdom of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated on 21 May 1991.
- He was killed in a suicide bomb blast at an election rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.
- The attack was carried out by a member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a Sri Lankan militant group.
- The blast killed Rajiv Gandhi and 25 others, shocking the entire nation.
- Following this occurrence, the V.P. Singh administration declared May 21 to be National Anti-Terrorism Day in 1991.
- The aim was to raise terrorism prevention awareness and promote peace and harmony among citizens.
- The day is also meant to spread the message of unity in diversity and to remember the innocent lives lost due to terrorism.
- Since then, the day is observed with public awareness campaigns, educational events against terrorism, and pledge ceremonies.
- It reminds citizens of the need to protect human rights, democratic values, and ensure national security.
- It also supports the Indian government’s efforts through anti-terrorism laws like the UAPA and the NIA Act.
- National observances in India like this play a key role in building a strong, peaceful, and united society.
National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025 Theme
As of now, the official theme for National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025 has not been announced. However, it is expected to be released soon by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, which is responsible for leading and organizing national observances like this.
The upcoming theme will likely focus on terrorism prevention, peace promotion, and public unity to honour the spirit of the day. Stay tuned for the official update, which will shape various educational events, public pledges, and awareness drives across India.
This theme helps schools, colleges, and institutions plan meaningful activities to promote peace, harmony, and national security.
Also Check: Essay on Terrorism
Anti-Terrorism Laws in India
| Law / Act | Purpose & Key Features |
|---|---|
| UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act), 1967 | Stops activities against India’s unity and security. Lets govt label individuals/groups as terrorists, seize terror-related assets, and allows NIA to investigate deeply. |
| NIA Act, 2008 | Created the National Investigation Agency to handle terrorism across India. NIA can even work overseas in some situations and take up cases from state police. |
| AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act), 1958 | 1958 grants the army special authority in areas that are tense, such as the Northeast and J&K. Law enforcement has the authority to make arrests without a warrant. |
| PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act), 2002 | Tracks and prevents funding for terrorism. Suggestive transactions must be reported by banks. |
| IPC & CrPC (Indian Penal Code & Code of Criminal Procedure) | IPC has sections for crimes like waging war, sedition, and promoting enmity. CrPC sets the rules for arrest, trial, and punishment. |
| IT Act, 2000 | Deals with cyber terrorism. Stops online threats, hacking, and digital attacks on national security. |
| Explosives Act, 1884 & Explosive Substances Act, 1908 | Controls use and storage of explosives often used in terrorist acts. |
| WMD Act, 2005 | Protects against the illicit trade and spreading of WMDs – Weapons of Mass Destruction. |
| POTA (2002) & TADA (1985) | Now repealed. These laws earlier gave police extra powers to fight terrorism, but were later removed due to misuse. |
Anti-Terrorism Day in Hindi 2025
भारत में प्रतिवर्ष 21 मई को “आतंकवाद विरोधी दिवस” के रूप में मनाया जाता है। यह महत्वपूर्ण दिवस हिंसा के विरुद्ध अहिंसा, द्वेष के विरुद्ध प्रेम और विभाजन के विरुद्ध एकता का प्रतीक है. इस दिवस का इतिहास भारत के पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री श्री राजीव गांधी के साथ जुड़ा हुआ है, जिनका निधन 21 मई 1991 को तमिलनाडु के श्रीपेरुंबदूर में एक आतंकी हमले में हुआ था। उनके बलिदान को स्मरण करते हुए, भारत सरकार ने इस दिन को आतंकवाद विरोधी दिवस के रूप में नामित किया, ताकि आतंकवाद के खतरे के प्रति जागरूकता बढ़ाई जा सके और शांति के मूल्यों को प्रोत्साहित किया जा सके।
उद्देश्य:
- आतंकवाद के खतरे के बारे में लोगों को जागरूक करना
- शांति, सद्भाव और एकता का प्रचार करना
- युवाओं में मानव अधिकारों और संविधानिक मूल्यों की समझ बढ़ाना
आयोजन:
- स्कूलों और कॉलेजों में शपथ समारोह, रैलियाँ, विचार गोष्ठियाँ
- सरकारी कार्यालयों और संस्थानों में सामूहिक संकल्प
Also Check: Speech on Terrorism
Significance of Anti-Terrorism Day in Indian History
- Observed annually on May 21, marking the assassination date of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991
- Gandhi was killed by an LTTE suicide bomber, highlighting the brutal reality of terrorism
- The day serves as a national reminder of terrorism’s devastating impact on India
- Established to promote peace, harmony, and public awareness about the dangers of terrorism
- Commemorates all victims of terrorist acts and honors their sacrifice
- Reinforces India’s collective commitment to combat all forms of extremism and violence
- Emphasizes the importance of national unity in the face of terrorist threats
- Encourages citizens to remain vigilant against radicalization in communities
Also Check: 9/11 Remembrance Day
Anti-Terrorism Day Pledge 2025
- Educational institutions and government offices across India will participate in a formal pledge ceremony
- The pledge reaffirms commitment to India’s founding principles of peace and non-violence
- Participants vow to oppose terrorism and promote harmony among all religions, languages, and regions
- The pledge highlights individual responsibility in building a terrorism-free society
- Students and officials promise to spread awareness about the destructive nature of terrorism
- The ceremony reinforces national values of unity in diversity
- Participants commit to resolving differences through dialogue rather than violence.
Also Check: World Telecommunication Day 2025
National Anti-Terrorism Day Activities in Schools and Colleges
- Debate competitions focusing on strategies to counter extremism and promote peace
- Essay writing contests on themes like “Unity in Diversity” and “Peace Building”
- Interactive workshops teaching students to identify signs of radicalization
- Poster-making competitions highlighting messages of communal harmony
- Special assemblies featuring talks by security experts and terrorism survivors
- Documentary screenings about the impact of terrorism and importance of social cohesion
- Role-playing activities to develop empathy and understanding among different communities
- Community outreach programs where students pledge to be ambassadors of peace
Also Check: Black Day Pulwama Attack
Slogans, Quotes, and Messages for Anti-Terrorism Day 2025
- “Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness”
- “Together against terror: Building a safer India for tomorrow”
- “Violence ends where conversation begins”
- “Peace requires courage, terrorism requires none”
- “Be alert, stay safe – report suspicious activities”
- “One nation, one voice against terrorism”
- “Harmony in hearts leads to peace in society”
- “When we stand together, terror stands no chance”
- “Every life lost in terror is a lesson to fight for peace with all our might.”
- “No more violence, no more hatred – Just peace for a brighter tomorrow.”
National Anti-Terrorism Day 2025 FAQs
What is National Anti-Terrorism Day?
Every year on May 21, India commemorates National Anti-Terrorism Day in remembrance of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was tragically killed in 1991 by a member of the militant Sri Lankan group known as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
What is the purpose of National Anti-Terrorism Day in India?
The primary purpose of National Anti-Terrorism Day is to commemorate the martyrdom of Rajiv Gandhi and to raise awareness about the ongoing fight against terrorism. The day emphasizes promoting unity in diversity, ensuring peace, and fostering harmony in India
Who declared May 21 as Anti-Terrorism Day in India?
The Government of India, under the leadership of V.P. Singh, declared it Anti-Terrorism Day in remembrance of Rajiv Gandhi's assassination.
Write a Anti-Terrorism Day 2025 Speech in English
On Anti-Terrorism Day 2025, we gather to remember the tragic loss of our former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, and reflect on the importance of peace. Terrorism has no place in our society, and today, we reaffirm our pledge to stand united against all forms of terrorism. Let us work towards a world where peace reigns, where differences are resolved through dialogue, and where violence is never an option. Together, we will build a safer, harmonious future for all.
How is National Anti-Terrorism Day observed in India?
National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed through various public awareness campaigns and educational events across India. Government officials, schoolchildren, and citizens participate in activities such as: Taking a pledge to fight terrorism and uphold peace. Organizing seminars and workshops to educate about terrorism’s impact. Honoring the victims of terrorism through memorial services. Public gatherings to promote peace and unity among citizens.
Write a National Anti-Terrorism Day Message for Students
On National Anti-Terrorism Day, we urge all students to take an oath to never support violence and to promote peace in every aspect of life. Remember, the fight against terrorism is not just about defeating violent groups but about promoting love, respect, and understanding among all people. Let’s work together to make the world a safer place for future generations.
