National Anti-Terrorism Day 2023: Theme, Significance, Quotes

Terrorism wrecks havoc in the life of all humans irrespective of their social status. It is the most heinous crime against mankind  National Anti Terrorism Day is observed to spread the message of peace, harmony, and humankind and to promote unity among the people. Terrorism is a global threat that knows no border, nationality, or religion and is a challenge that the international community must tackle together. This day, observed annually on May 21st, is to commemorate the death anniversary of former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi. He was assassinated on May 21, 1991, by a human bomb in the midst of a campaign in Tamil Nadu. This year commemorates Rajiv Gandhi’s 30th death anniversary.

History of National Anti-Terrorism Day

Former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on May 21st in 1991 by LTTE cadres in a suicide bombing attack at a rally while campaigning for the Congress party at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. A woman, who was a member of the Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eelam (LTTE) a terrorist group, approached Rajiv Gandhi with explosives under her clothes and bent down to touch his feet. Suddenly a huge explosion occurred which resulted in the death of Rajiv Gandhi and about 25 other people. He was the sixth prime minister of the country and served from 1984 to 1989. Then, under the V.P. Singh government, the center has decided to observe 21st May as National Anti Terrorism Day.

Significance of National Anti-Terrorism Day

Acts of terrorism kill thousands of innocent people each year. The primary aim of this day is to highlight the importance of fighting against terrorism and to fight against these anti social elements. The day aims at spreading the message of peace and humanity. The act of terrorism has created fear in the mind of people. It is the moral duty of each and every individual to fight against these anti social activity and to create awareness about the danger caused by the act of terrorism. A similar initiative by the United Nations named International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is observed on 21st August every year. It is also a day to remember the sacrifices made by the soldiers and other great souls and to honor them.

This day is also used to provide education and training to the youngsters which will prevent them from joining different terrorist groups. Anti Terrorism Day helps to generate awareness in the country about the danger of terrorism, violence and its dangerous effect on the people, society, and whole country.

Anti Terrorism Day Pledge

We, the people of India, having abiding faith in our country’s tradition of non-violence and tolerance, hereby solemnly affirm to oppose with our 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.”

Observance of National Anti-Terrorism Day 2023

The objective behind the observance of this day is to wean the youth away from terrorism and the cult of violence by highlighting the sufferings of common people and showing as to how it is prejudicial to national interest.

Various anti terrorism programmes and drives are organized.

An anti terrorism pledge is taken in all government offices, public sector undertakings and other public institutions. This year, as Anti terrorism Day falls on a Saturday which is a holiday for Central Government offices, pledge taking ceremony in the offices of central government will be held on 21st May preferably in the forenoon.

Rallies and parades are also organized by Central and State Government.

Innovative ways of propagating the message of anti terrorism through digital and social media platforms is also considered.

Educational institutions organize several activities such as debates, discussions, symposium, pledge taking ceremony and screening of films that raise awareness about acts of terrorism and remind us about human sufferings during various terrorist attacks in our history.

Two minutes of silence is observed to mark solidarity with the world in its fight against terrorism and to memorize Rajiv Gandhi.

National Anti-Terrorism Day Quotes 2023

“Let us remember the countless sacrifices of our patriot brothers and sisters courageously protecting our country from terrorism over the years. Terrorism has no boundaries. Terrorism anywhere is a threat to peace everywhere. As citizens of the world, let us join hands in this global fight to protect humanity.”  – M Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India

”Today, on Anti Terrorism Day we pledge to stand resolute in opposing all forms of terrorism and violence. We reiterate our commitment to uphold and promote peace, harmony and understanding, and to fight the forces of disruption threatening human lives and values.” – Border Security Force (BSF)

“Terrorism isn’t a crime against people or property. It’s a crime against our minds, using the death of innocents and destruction of property to make us fearful. Terrorists use the media to magnify their actions and further spread fear. And when we react out of fear, when we change our policy to make our country less open, the terrorists succeed — even if their attacks fail. But when we refuse to be terrorized, when we’re indomitable in the face of terror, the terrorists fail — even if their attacks succeed.” – Bruce Schneier

“Our values and way of life will prevail – terrorism will not.” – John Linder

“Terrorism has no religion, terrorists have no religion and they are friends of no religion” – Manmohan Singh.