UGC directs Universities: observe 21 May as Anti-Terrorism Day

The University Grants Commission (UGC, the higher education regulator) has directed universities and higher educational institutions (HEIs) in India to observe 21 May as Anti-Terrorism Day so as to wean youth away from terrorism.

Key Highlights

• Background: Every year 21 May is observed as Anti-Terrorism Day throughout India. It seeks to spread awareness among people about dangers of violence and terrorism and its effect on people, society and country altogether.
• Reason: ‘21 May’ marks the death anniversary of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who was assassinated in 1991 at an election rally near Chennai by a women suicide bomber from Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE, a separatist Sri Lankan Tamil outfit). The year 2019 mark 28th death anniversary of Late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
• Objective: to wean youth away from violence and terrorism, and showing them how it is prejudicial to national interest. It also seeks to promote harmony, peace and unity across the nation.
• UGC also suggested varsities to undertake activities for the day which includes discussions, symposium, debates, pledge taking ceremony and films screening as per the recommendations of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2019