Padma Shri Birubala Rabha, renowned for her fearless activism against superstitions and witch-hunting, breathed her last at around 9:23 am this morning while undergoing treatment at the State Cancer Institute in Guwahati.
Assam’s Anti-Witch Hunting Activist Birubala Rabha Passes Away
Birubala Rabha had been battling stage 3 cancer since her admission to the institute. Although there were initial signs of improvement after she was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on May 4, her health subsequently deteriorated, culminating in her passing today.
Expressing profound sorrow at Rabha’s passing, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to social media, stating, “I am deeply distressed to learn about the passing away of Padma Shri Smt Birubala Rabha. Through her untiring efforts to end social evils she illuminated the paths of scores of women with hope and confidence. Rising through a challenging life, she epitomised courage against all odds. Assam will forever remain grateful for her leadership in serving society.”
As a tireless activist, she spearheaded extensive campaigns against witch-hunting and played a crucial role in the enactment of the Prevention of and Protection from Witch Hunting Act, 2015, by the Assam government.
Her organization, Mission Birubala, continues to raise awareness about the dangers of witch-hunting, ensuring that her advocacy persists even in her absence.
