Rajiv Gandhi 27th Death Anniversary: Why it is Observed as Anti-Terrorism Day & Other Rare Facts Linked to the Late Prime Minister
Rajiv Gandhi's unfortunate demise came on May 21, 1991. The day ever since is observed as 'Anti-Terrorism day'.
Today marks the 27th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. During his era, Rajiv earned the tag of being a "far-sighted visionary leader". His unfortunate demise came on May 21, 1991. The day ever since is recalled as 'Anti-Terrorism day'.
Why Rajiv Gandhi's Death anniversary is observed as Anti-Terrorism day:
The official announcement of Anti-Terrorism day was made after the assassination of India's sixth Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on May 21, 1991. Gandhi was killed in Tamil Nadu during an election campaign by the terrorist. The decision was taken by the V.P. Singh's government.
On this day Anti Terrorism pledge is taken in all the government offices, public sector undertakings and other public institutions. The purpose of observing this day is to spread the message of peace and humanity and to promote unity among the people. It also aims to provide education and training to youngsters in order to prevent them from joining the terrorist groups.
Political life:
As part of his political grooming, Rajiv was initially made the general secretary of the Congress party and given significant responsibilities. He was the youngest twig of the politically powerful Nehru-Gandhi family. From childhood days, he watched politics closely. His maternal grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru was the PM of Country, his mother Indira Gandhi became the youngest PM of India just at the age of 40. Within Congress circles, Rajiv is remembered as a simple politician, who never enforced his decision on the party.
He entered politics only after his brother Sanjay Gandhi died in an aeroplane crash in 1980, who was a Member of Parliament (MP) from Amethi. Later he contested from his brother's parliamentary seat and became a member of the Lok Sabha - the lower house of India's Parliament. Further, he was made the PM at the behest of his mother India Gandhi, who was assassinated on the morning of 31 October 1984, by two of her bodyguards.
Life after PM:
Rajiv Gandhi, who took over as the Prime Minister of India in the year 1984, is called the 'Pioneer of Digital India' or the 'Computer Man of India'. It was during his era that the seeds of Information Technology and Telecom revolution were sowed. Although, there was opposition at all levels.
Later, his PM role was mired with controversies - Bhopal Gas tragedy and Shah Bano Case. But neither damaged his reputation as the Bofors scam, which led to his rout in the 1989 election.
Who killed Rajiv:
Rajiv remained the president of Congress until the elections of 1991, however, the year is continued to be remembered as the black year in the Indian Politics. In 1991, Rajiv while campaigning for his party was murdered. He was assassinated by a women suicide bomber from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
After his sad death, Rajiv Gandhi was awarded Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award.
Every year, leaders from across the political spectrum, paid floral tribute to late Rajiv Gandhi at his memorial in Delhi. This morning too, son Rahul Gandhi along with his mother Sonia Gandhi and sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid tribute at his memorial. Later he tweeted about his teachings to him.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 21, 2018 12:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).