Anti-Terrorism Day 2024: On 21 May, every year Anti Terrorism Day is observed to provide knowledge to the youth about terrorism, and its impact on human suffering, and lives. This day also makes people aware of an anti-social act of terrorism. The objective of the day is to promote national harmony, mitigate terrorism, and unite people of all castes, creeds, and sex. The day holds importance when it comes to 'terrorism'.
Every day we come to know about one terrorist act or another via newspaper or TV. Basically, the terrorists want to create fear in the minds of the common people. Without any remorse, they kill thousands of people because they don't have any conscience.
It is necessary to propagate the message of humanity and peace. The Indian Government has taken the step of celebrating Anti-Terrorism every year to highlight the importance of fighting the activities of terrorism.
READ| When and why is Anti-Terrorism Day 2024 observed in India?
Why is Anti-Terrorism Day observed on May 21?
The official announcement of National Anti-Terrorism Day was made after the assassination of India's seventh Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on May 21, 1991. He was killed in Tamil Nadu in a campaign by a terrorist. Then, under the V.P. Singh government, the centre has decided to observe May 21 as Anti-Terrorism Day. On this day Anti Terrorism pledge is taken in all government offices, public sector undertakings, and other public institutions, etc.
The history behind it.
Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi went to Sriperumbudur, a place in Tamil Nadu to attend a rally. A woman came in front of him who was a member of the Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eelam (LTTE) a terrorist group. She had explosives under her clothes and approached PM and bent down as if she wants to touch his feet. Suddenly a bomb explosion took place killing PM and approx 25 people. This is the inland terrorism that had created fear and our country lost PM.
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What are the objectives behind celebrating Anti-Terrorism Day?
- To spread the message of peace and humanity.
- To increase awareness among people about these terrorist groups and how they plan to strike terror.
- To promote unity among the people by planting a seed of unity among the people.
- Also, providing education and training to youngsters will prevent them from joining different terrorist groups.
- To generate awareness in the country about the danger of terrorism, violence, and its dangerous effect on the people, society, and the whole country.
How is Anti-Terrorism Day celebrated?
- Mentioned objectives are achieved by organising debates or discussions in schools, colleges, and universities on the dangers of terrorism and violence.
- Mass education programs are held to highlight the ill effects of terrorism and its aftermath.
- Central Government and the State Government organise rallies and parades to ensure people of the effects of terrorism.
- Paying respect to the deceased Prime Minister by special marches and people gathering to pay their respect to Rajiv Gandhi. In several schools, colleges, government, and private offices, people bow their heads and maintain silence for two minutes.
MHA has also suggested that considering the importance and solemnity of the occasion, innovative ways of propagating the message of anti-terrorism through digital and social media platforms may be considered.
We can't forget the famous World Trade Center attack, which was a terrorist attack. The 26/11 attack on Mumbai is also no exception in this regard. Therefore, Anti-Terrorism Day expresses anger and shows solidarity with humanity. Terrorism is an act of causing loss of life and fear of death among people by the dreadful acts of terrorists. No doubt, it is an attack on the rights of human beings. Therefore, we should come together and eliminate it by spreading love, care, etc.
It is correctly said that "Terrorists have no religion. They only understand the language of devastation".
National Anti-Terrorism Day is an important day in India since it urges people to be vigilant and careful in their daily lives. It promotes peace by encouraging people to look past their differences and coexist harmoniously. It makes us realise how important it is to keep society peaceful.
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