NEW DELHI: India is paying solemn tribute to former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi today on his 35th death anniversary. May 21 is officially observed across the nation as National Anti-Terrorism Day to honor his martyrdom and to reinforce the country’s commitment to peace and non-violence.
Senior political leaders, family members, and citizens gathered at ‘Veer Bhumi’, his memorial in New Delhi, to offer floral tributes. Across all government offices, public undertakings, and educational institutions, a collective anti-terrorism pledge is being administered to deter youth from violence and to promote social harmony.
The Tragedy of Sriperumbudur
It was on the tragic night of May 21, 1991, that Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in a brutal suicide bomb attack engineered by the LTTE during an election rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. His untimely demise at the age of 46 shocked the global community and left a permanent void in Indian politics.
The Architect of Digital India
As India’s youngest Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi is widely remembered as the visionary who ushered India into the computer and telecom age. His landmark policies include reducing the voting age from 21 to 18 years and strengthening grassroots democracy through the Panchayati Raj amendments.
Significance of the Day
The observance of National Anti-Terrorism Day on this date serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of terrorism on the nation’s progress. Today, the country cleanses its resolve to fight disruptive forces and uphold the core values of tolerance and unity that the late leader stood for.
