Padma Shri awardee and anti-witch hunting activist Birubala Rabha passes away at GMCH

• Image Credit: Google

• May 13, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

The Assam Government's decision to cover her medical expenses was a testament to the profound impact she had on society...

Digital Desk: Birubala Rabha, a Padma Shri awardee and prominent human rights activist renowned for her campaigns against witch-hunting, breathed her last at around 9:23 am this morning while undergoing treatment at the State Cancer Institute in Guwahati. 

Her journey was one of unwavering dedication and courage. Despite battling cancer in its third stage, she continued to fight for justice and equality. The Assam Government's decision to cover her medical expenses was a testament to the profound impact she had on society.

Assam Cabinet Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary made the announcement to fund Rabha's treatment after visiting the State Cancer Institute on Saturday to evaluate her condition. Rabha had been admitted to the institute on April 22, 2024.

Despite her critical condition, there were reports of a slight improvement in Rabha's health on May 4, after being shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Rabha's legacy extends far beyond her own struggles. As an activist, she fearlessly confronted the scourge of witch-hunting, leading to the enactment of the Prevention of and Protection from Witch Hunting Act, 2015, in Assam. Her organization, Mission Birubala, remains committed to raising awareness about this societal menace.

In 2021, Rabha's contributions were recognized on a national level when she was conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award. Her passing marks the end of an era in the fight for human rights and social justice in Assam and beyond.

Though she is longer with us, Birubala Rabha's spirit will continue to inspire generations to come. Her courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice serve as a guiding light for all those who strive to build a more equitable and compassionate world. As we bid farewell to a true champion of human rights, let us honor her memory by carrying forward her legacy of activism and advocacy.