Anti-Witch Hunting Crusader, Padma Awardee Birubala Rabha, Loses Battle Against Cancer

Guwahati: Padma Shri awardee, human rights activist and anti-witch hunt crusader Birubala Rabha passed away at the State Cancer Hospital here on Monday after a long battle with cancer.

Undergoing treatment in a cancer hospital since April 2022, she was shifted to the ICU on Saturday as her condition deteriorated.

Born in 1954 in Thakurvila village in Assam’s Goalpara district, Birubala had been at the forefront of the campaign against witch-hunting.

A vocal champion against the scourge of witch-hunting, Rabha was instrumental in the framing and passing of Prevention and Protection from Witch-hunting Act by Assam government in 2015. She was bestowed with the Padma Shri in 2021.

Birubala was also conferred with an honorary doctorate by the Guwahati University in 2015.

Her organisation, Mission Birubala, eas engaged in spreading awareness against witch-hunting.

Several leaders took to social platforms to express grief over her demise.

“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,” Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on X.

“Inspired by her work, we shall always remain motivated to serve the community, irrespective of challenges persistently. The news of her passing fills my heart with deep sorrow. Her departure leaves an irreplaceable void in Assam’s social fabric. May her soul find peace, and I offer my heartfelt condolences to her grieving family,” Union Minister and former CM Sarbananda Sonowal posted.