Educationist Tukaram Shiware, director of KPB Hinduja College, said that since May 21 is during vacation time, students cannot be called to observe Anti-terrorism Day on May21.
The state government's plan asking schools to observe May 21 as Anti-terrorism Day is expected to fail since most schools are shut for summer vacation in the period. Instead of observing the death anniversary of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi as Anti-terrorism Day, city educationists said that it would be better if November 26, the day in 2008 when the city came under a devastating siege, is marked as Anti-terrorism Day.
The state's circular, which appeared on the government's website on Saturday, noted that schools and colleges should hold debates, discussions and lectures on the dangers of terrorism and violence on May 21. It also asked teachers to create awareness about terrorism and ask the youth to take a pledge on that day to end terrorism.
"The day will be observed because teachers and staff come to school, but the response is unlikely to be good because of summer vacations," said Prashant Redij, spokesperson for Maharashtra Principals' Association. "But Anti-terrorism Day is now marked on November 26 as the city was attacked by terrorists on that day. Students too are present in schools in November and debates and discussions get a huge response."
Echoing his words, Dr. TP Madhu Nair, Dean, Faculty of Commerce, Mumbai University, said: "It is good to observe this day and sensitise students and youth about the subject, but due to vacations, not many students will show up. However, the sensitization can be done on November 26 when students are present in college and the day is remembered by everybody."
Educationist Tukaram Shiware, director of KPB Hinduja College, said that since May 21 is during vacation time, students cannot be called to observe Anti-terrorism Day on May21.
Former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on May 21, 1991, by Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eelam (LTTE), while attending an election rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.
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