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Guwahati: Birubala Rabha, the esteemed Padma Shri awardee celebrated for her relentless fight against witch hunting, breathed her last at a Guwahati hospital on Monday after bravely battling cancer. Rabha, aged 75, had been undergoing treatment for advanced stage carcinoma oesophagus since 2021, revealed GMCH superintendent Abhijit Sarma.
Rabha was admitted to the State Cancer Institute of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on April 22 due to severe weakness. Despite intensive care, she succumbed to multi-organ failure at 9:23 am on Monday.
Known for fearlessly leading her NGO ‘Mission Birubala’ against witch hunting despite facing threats to her life, Rabha’s demise marks a significant loss to the nation. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his condolences, while Environment and Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary hailed Rabha’s unwavering dedication to humanity.
Born in a remote village in Goalpara in 1949, Rabha’s childhood struggles fueled her determination to combat social evils. She played a pivotal role in the enactment of the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2015, and saved numerous lives through her organisation ‘Mission Birubala’.
Rabha’s contributions earned her accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 2021 and a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005. Her passing leaves a void in Assam’s social fabric, with leaders across political spectrums mourning her demise.
Birubala Rabha’s legacy as a crusader against superstition and champion of humanity will continue to inspire generations to come.
