Anti Terrorism Day is observed in India on 21 May to commemorate the death of which national leader?

Introduction / Context:
Anti Terrorism Day is observed in India on 21 May to promote peace, non violence, and awareness about the harmful effects of terrorism. The day is especially significant because it commemorates the assassination of a former Prime Minister of India. For competitive exams, this observance links modern political history with national awareness campaigns, making it a key fact to remember in general studies and current affairs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question states that Anti Terrorism Day is observed on 21 May in India.
• It asks which national leader death is commemorated through this observance.
• Options list four prominent Indian figures from different time periods.
• We assume the candidate is aware of major political leaders and historical incidents related to terrorism in India.

Concept / Approach:
Anti Terrorism Day on 21 May marks the death anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India, who was assassinated in 1991 in a suicide bombing during an election campaign. The central concept is the link between this tragic event and the observance aimed at educating people about the dangers of terrorism. Remembering that 21 May equals Rajiv Gandhi assassination anniversary helps identify the correct answer among the options.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the observance in question is Anti Terrorism Day in India. Step 2: Recall that it is connected to the assassination of a former Prime Minister on 21 May 1991. Step 3: From modern Indian history, remember that Rajiv Gandhi was killed in a suicide bombing at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. Step 4: Examine the options which list Mahatma Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Potti Sriramulu. Step 5: Select option B, Rajiv Gandhi, as the correct leader whose death is commemorated on Anti Terrorism Day.

Verification / Alternative check:
This information can be verified through modern history textbooks, where the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi and its political consequences are discussed. Government circulars and educational programmes on 21 May often mention Anti Terrorism Day and explicitly refer to Rajiv Gandhi death. Current affairs compilations and exam focused GK books also highlight this connection, so cross referring at least two such sources confirms the accuracy of the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, Mahatma Gandhi, was assassinated on 30 January 1948, which is observed as Martyrs Day in India, not Anti Terrorism Day on 21 May.
Option C, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, is associated with the freedom struggle and an uncertain reported death in an air crash, but there is no national Anti Terrorism Day linked with his death.
Option D, Potti Sriramulu, is known for his hunger strike demanding a separate Andhra state and died in 1952, leading to state reorganisation, but his death is not the basis of Anti Terrorism Day.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to select Mahatma Gandhi because he was also a victim of assassination and is strongly associated with non violence. However, his death is commemorated on a different date. Another pitfall is mixing up the day with other national observances such as Martyrs Day or National Unity Day. To avoid confusion, students should create a small table linking 30 January with Mahatma Gandhi, 21 May with Rajiv Gandhi and Anti Terrorism Day, and 31 October with Sardar Patel related observances.

Final Answer:
Anti Terrorism Day in India on 21 May commemorates the death of Rajiv Gandhi.