Anti-Witch Hunting Activist From Assam Padma Shri Birubala Rabha Passes Away

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Guwahati
• May 13, 2024
• 105

Assam's famous social activist and Padmashree awardee Birubala Rabha has passed away due to cancer. She was admitted in a government hospital in Guwahati. 70-year-old Rabha was born in 1954 in Goalpara district of Assam. She fought against superstition and witchcraft throughout her life. Guided thousands of women throughout their life.

Rabha never gave up against the social evil like Daayan Bisahi. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed grief over the demise of the daughter of Thakurvila village near the Meghalaya border.

He has written on X that he is deeply saddened by the demise of Rabha. During her lifetime, she showed the path to many women with hope and confidence. He had a challenging life in which he overcame every obstacle. Assam will always be grateful for his leadership in the service of the society.

At the same time, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also expressed grief over his demise. He said that Padmashree winner Birubala Rabha Baidev fought against the superstitions and prejudices prevalent in the society. Made women feel empowered through unwavering determination and courage. Inspired by their work, we will continue to serve the community despite the challenges. My heart is filled with deep sorrow at the news of his demise. Her departure has left an irreparable void in the social fabric of Assam. May her soul rest in peace and I express my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.

In 2015, the Assam Assembly unanimously passed the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act 2015. In 2021, his significant contribution to social work was recognized by the Government of India. After which he was honored with the Padmashree award. It is said that in 1985, a quack doctor of the village did not treat his son properly.

After which he took up the cause of social reform. He formed an organization called Mission Birubala and took a pledge to create awareness against beating, beating and torturing women by calling them witches, ghosts and witches. Due to which he received India's fourth most prestigious civilian award.

Tribal woman Birubala's father died when she was 6 years old. Left studies due to financial constraints. She started working in the fields with her mother to run the household. When Birubala was just 15 years old, she was married to a farmer. When her son contracted typhoid in 1980, she took him to a quack for treatment. Hakeem had said that his child could not survive. But the child's life was saved. After this Birubala started a campaign against such people who spread superstition.