Thiruvananthapuram, Saturday 21 May 2011: The Nation on Saturday paid homage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 20th death anniversary. The day is also observed as Anti-Terrorism Day.

The objective behind the observance of Anti-Terrorism Day is to wean youth away from the terrorist/violence cult by highlighting the suffering of the common people and showing how it is prejudicial to the national interest.

These objectives are aimed to be achieved by organizing debates/discussions in schools, colleges and universities; holding of symposia/seminars and lectures on the dangers of terrorism and violence and a determined and sustained drive to bring about a mass awakening against terrorism and violence.

Voluntary organizations, social and cultural bodies are organising their own programmes through lectures, talks, discussions, musical and recitation programmes and cultural functions.

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee observed the 20th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by conducting various programmes at the district, block and mandalam levels.

At the party headquarters here, the commemorative function was held in the presence of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala, KPCC office-bearers and other district-level leaders.

Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on May 21, 1991 by a LTTE suicide bomber during a public meeting at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.