Tragedy struck on May 21, 1991, when a 22-year-old woman on a suicide mission detonated a bomb that killed Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India. Gandhi was en route to a campaign rally where he was scheduled to deliver a speech. His path was lined with children and well-wishers who greeted him and presented him with garlands. A woman named Kalaivani Rajaratnam approached him and bowed before him. As she did, she detonated the bomb, causing an explosion that echoed through the streets. The attack resulted in the deaths of Gandhi, Rajaratnam, her co-conspirator, and 11 others, while injuring up to 59 civilians, including children.

Rajiv Gandhi was born on August 20, 1944, in Bombay, India. He was an Indian politician who followed in the footsteps of both his maternal grandfather and his mother, serving as Prime Minister. After the assassination of his mother in 1984, Rajiv assumed the role at the age of 40, becoming the youngest Prime Minister in India’s history. He served in this position until 1989, when he was defeated in an election. Following his defeat, he became the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha until he resigned in 1990.

After his death, it was determined that Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated as a result of a personal vendetta stemming from his decision to send Indian Peace Keeping Forces to Sri Lanka during his administration. There were also concerns about the suspected war crimes committed against the Sri Lankan Tamils. In honor of his memory, a memorial was built at the site of Gandhi’s cremation. Additionally, in 1992, the Indian National Congress Party established the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award to recognize individuals who contributed significantly to communal harmony. Since his passing, May 21st has been observed as Anti-Terrorism Day in India.