National Anti-Terrorism Day: Know its purpose, relevance in backdrop of Op Sindoor
National Anti-Terrorism Day was established by the VP Singh government in memory of former PM Rajiv Gandhi and to reinforce India’s resolve against terrorism. It is observed on May 21
National Anti-Terrorism Day is observed across India on May 21 every year to commemorate the death anniversary of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
He was killed by a suicide bomber from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during an election campaign rally in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai. The attack was a reaction to his decision to send Indian peacekeeping forces to Sri Lanka in 1987 to instill peace in the country, a move that drew widespread criticism and deepened the LTTE’s hostility towards him.
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Anti-terrorism pledge
National Anti-Terrorism Day was instituted by the VP Singh-led government in 1992 to honour Rajiv’s memory and to reinforce India’s resolve against terrorism.
Every year, government institutions, public sector units, educational institutions, and NGOs across the country organise programmes to highlight the ill effects of violence and terrorism. These include pledge-taking ceremonies, debates, lectures, discussions, and seminars focused on the dangers of terrorism and violence.
The day begins with the Anti-Terrorism Pledge, where citizens resolve “to oppose all forms of terrorism and violence” and to promote “peace, social harmony and understanding” among fellow citizens.
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Purpose and significance
The objective behind the observance of Anti-Terrorism Day is to wean away people, especially the youth, from terrorism and violence by highlighting its implications on the sufferings ofthe common man and how it is harmful for national interest.
The day is observed 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,y and the country as a whole.
It encourages people to choose peace and maintain unity and harmony. This day also sends a message across the world that India is determined to combat terrorism in all its forms.
The day also honours all the victims of terrorism, hoping for a world free of terrorism and its devastating impact.
Also Read: Targeting of civilians marks alarming shift in terror tactics: DGMO
Operation Sindoor
This year’s observance comes against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, a tri-service military strike conducted by Indian armed forces on May 7, 2025.
The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), aiming to neutralise the operational capabilities of groups responsible for cross-border terrorism on Indian soil, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed.
By targeting key terror hubs such as Muridke and Bahawalpur —home to Pakistan-backed terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed — the operation is the next expansive military operation conducted by the Indian armed forces since the 1971 War.
Operation Sindoor constituted a multi-domain, high-precision offensive spread across Pakistan’s Punjab province and PoJK, signalling a strategic evolution in India’s approach to cross-border terrorism. It underscores India’s policy of proactive defence, highlighting the ongoing relevance of Anti-Terrorism Day in today’s geopolitical landscape.
National Anti-Terrorism Day is not only a tribute to a slain leader but a powerful reminder of the need for unity, vigilance and peace in the face of persistent threats.