About Anti-Terrorism Day
Anti-Terrorism Day, observed in India on 21 May, marks the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by a suicide bomber at Sriperumbudur in 1991. Government offices, universities and public bodies take a pledge against terrorism and violence, and in 2027 it falls on Friday, 21 May 2027.
Why is Anti-Terrorism Day observed on 21 May?
Anti-Terrorism Day is observed on 21 May because on that night in 1991 former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated at Sriperumbudur, near Madras, while campaigning in the general election. At about 10:10 pm a young woman, Kalaivani Rajaratnam, also known as Dhanu, approached him and set off an explosive belt. She belonged to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the Sri Lankan Tamil separatist group. The blast killed 17 people, including Rajiv Gandhi and the bomber, and left many more injured.
A Special Investigation Team of the Central Bureau of Investigation, led by D. R. Karthikeyan, investigated the killing and named 41 people in its first chargesheet. A memorial now stands at the site in Sriperumbudur. President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam opened it on 10 October 2003.
The Ministry of Home Affairs describes the purpose of the day in its annual circular: to turn young people away from terrorism and the cult of violence by showing the suffering it causes ordinary people and how it harms the national interest. The day remembers one assassination, but its message covers every life lost to terror in India.
How is Anti-Terrorism Day observed?
Anti-Terrorism Day is observed mainly through a pledge, taken together during the working day. Each May the Ministry of Home Affairs writes to central ministries, state governments and public sector bodies asking them to administer it, and the University Grants Commission asks universities to hold their own programmes. It is not a public holiday.
| Setting | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Central and state government offices | Staff gather, usually at 11 am, and repeat the anti-terrorism pledge after a senior officer. Where gathering is not possible, the pledge is read over the public address system or at desks. |
| State secretariats | The Chief Secretary garlands a portrait of Rajiv Gandhi and then administers the pledge, as in Goa's secretariat at Porvorim. |
| Universities and colleges | Debates, discussions, symposia, pledge ceremonies and film screenings, following the Home Ministry's suggestions. |
In 2021, during the Covid lockdowns, offices sent staff a recorded version of the pledge by email and WhatsApp so it could be taken at home.
- GatherStaff assemble in a hall or open space at the fixed time, usually 11 am.
- RememberSome offices, such as state secretariats, first garland a portrait of Rajiv Gandhi.
- PledgeA senior officer reads the pledge line by line in Hindi or English; everyone repeats it.
- ReturnThere is no celebration; people go back to work.
What does the anti-terrorism pledge say?
The anti-terrorism pledge commits those who take it to oppose all forms of terrorism and violence, and to promote peace, social harmony and understanding among all people. It begins by appealing to India's tradition of non-violence and tolerance.
We, the people of India … hereby solemnly affirm to oppose with our strength, all forms of terrorism and violence.
The pledge ends with a promise to "fight the forces of disruption threatening human lives and values". It says nothing about any particular group or country. That is worth keeping in mind when you write about the day.
How has India's response to terrorism changed since 1991?
India's main change since 1991 has been building a dedicated national agency. After the Mumbai attacks of November 2008, Parliament passed the National Investigation Agency Act, which received assent on 31 December 2008. The National Investigation Agency began work in January 2009 as the country's first statutory counter-terrorism investigator with jurisdiction across India. A 2019 amendment let it investigate cyber-terrorism and offences against Indians and Indian interests abroad.
What to write on Anti-Terrorism Day
The right message on 21 May is quiet. Remember those who were killed, thank those who keep people safe, and restate a commitment to peace.
Do
- Remember victims and survivors, and thank the police, armed forces and first responders.
- Frame it around peace, harmony and the rule of law, as the pledge does.
- If writing to a family who lost someone to a terror attack, keep it personal and short, and name the person.
Avoid
- Never write "Happy Anti-Terrorism Day" or use celebratory emojis and graphics.
- Don't blame a religion, community or nationality; terrorism is committed by individuals and groups.
- Don't share images or videos of attacks or victims.
On Anti-Terrorism Day, we remember every life lost to terror and renew our pledge to stand for peace, harmony and the rule of law.
On 21 May, thank you for the risks you take so the rest of us can live without fear. We don't say it often enough.
Thinking of you and of your son on Anti-Terrorism Day. He is remembered, and so is the kindness he left behind.
Today we take a pledge against terrorism and violence. The best answer to hatred is to know your neighbours and refuse to be divided.
On Anti-Terrorism Day, let us remember the victims, support the survivors, and keep our neighbourhood a place where every community feels safe.
How to wish someone on Anti-Terrorism Day
Anti-Terrorism Day is a day of remembrance and resolve, not a celebration, so never write "Happy Anti-Terrorism Day". A fitting message remembers victims, thanks those who protect the public, and restates a commitment to peace and harmony between communities. Keep it calm. Avoid naming a religion, community or country as the enemy, and avoid graphic images of attacks.
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
When is Anti-Terrorism Day in 2026 and 2027?
Anti-Terrorism Day is on 21 May every year. Only the weekday changes.
- 2026
- 2027
Frequently asked questions
When is Anti-Terrorism Day in 2027?
Anti-Terrorism Day 2027 falls on Friday, 21 May 2027.
Why is Anti-Terrorism Day celebrated on 21 May?
Anti-Terrorism Day falls on 21 May, the anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassination by an LTTE suicide bomber at Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, in 1991. It is observed as a day of remembrance and resolve, not a celebration.
What is the purpose of Anti-Terrorism Day?
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the day aims to turn young people away from terrorism and violence by highlighting the suffering it causes ordinary people and the harm it does to the national interest.
At what time is the anti-terrorism pledge taken?
Government offices usually take the anti-terrorism pledge together at 11 am on 21 May, led by a senior officer. The Ministry of Home Affairs circulates the pledge text in Hindi and English each year.
Is Anti-Terrorism Day a holiday?
No. Anti-Terrorism Day is not a public holiday. Offices, universities and schools stay open and observe it with a pledge, a short tribute and, in colleges, debates or film screenings.
Who killed Rajiv Gandhi?
Rajiv Gandhi was killed on 21 May 1991 by Kalaivani Rajaratnam, also known as Dhanu, a suicide bomber of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The blast at an election campaign stop in Sriperumbudur killed 17 people, including the bomber.
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .