Guwahati: Padmashree awardee Birubala Rabha, famous for her fight against witchcraft, died at a hospital here on Monday after a long battle with cancer, doctors said.
GMCH superintendent Abhijit Sarma said 75-year-old Rabha, along with two sons, a daughter and other relatives, was admitted to the State Cancer Institute of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on April 22 due to severe weakness.
He said, "She is a patient of advanced stage carcinoma esophagus since 2021 and was undergoing treatment in our hospital. A metallic stain was put on her due to difficulty in swallowing six months ago." Sarma said that as Rabha's condition deteriorated He was admitted to the hospital last month and shifted to the ICU on May 4, after which he was given mechanical ventilator support on Sunday after he developed breathing problems."After all possible intensive care, he breathed his last at 9:23 am due to multiple organ failure," he said.
Rabha, whose son and brother were victims of witch hunts, fearlessly operated her NGO 'Mission Birubala' amid extreme hostility in remote areas. Despite facing several attempts on her life by superstitious villagers branding her a witch, she continued her courageous work. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma deeply condoled the demise of the social worker.
“I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Padmashree Smt. Birubala Rabha.Through her tireless efforts to end social evils she illuminated the path of hundreds of women with hope and confidence.
H posted on Chandra Moh Patowary reached GMCH and expressed his condolences.
He said, "It is a great loss to the state and the country. We will never get another person like Birubala Rabha, who defied all odds and stood up for humanity.,
Her mortal remains will be taken to her home in Goalpara district and cremated with full state honours, Patowari said. Born in 1949 in the remote Thakurvila village of Goalpara, her childhood was a struggle. Her father died when she was six, causing her to leave school after Grade 5 and help her mother run the household. Rabha was only 15 years old when she was married to a farmer with whom she had three children.
Rabha played a key role in enacting the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2015, which made every offense related to witch hunting cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable, with imprisonment of up to seven years. -A provision for punishment was also made.Fine of up to Rs 5 lakh for identifying a person and calling her a witch.
Their struggle against this threat began when their son was branded a 'witch' and sentenced to die within three days because he was mentally unstable. Her family was isolated for three years after she raised her voice against witch hunts. Rabha has also provided rehabilitation to the victims of the witch hunt problem apart from raising her voice against social evils and all kinds of superstitions. 'Mission Birubala' formed in 2012 to create awareness in India. The organization has so far saved the lives of 55 victims in Majuli, Kokrajhar, Goalpara and Tinsuki districts.
In recognition of his work to protect lives in rural India, he was awarded the 'Padma Shri', the country's fourth highest civilian award, in 2021.Under the project '1,000 Women', she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by The Swiss Peace, Switzerland in 2005. He received an honorary doctorate from Gauhati University, besides being honored with innumerable awards by various organisations. Condolence messages have started pouring in from various quarters, with Rabha being revered as a symbol of the crusade against superstition and a savior of mankind. Has been done
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that Rabha Baidev (elder sister) fought against the superstitions and prejudices prevalent in the society, exemplifying the strength of women through unwavering determination and courage.
He said, “Inspired by his work, we will always remain motivated to serve the community despite the challenges.My heart is filled with deep sorrow at the news of Baidev's demise. His demise has left an irreparable void in the social fabric of Assam." Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi also said Rabha's contribution will always be remembered and his ideals will remain a guide for every generation to come.
Condoling his demise, Assam Congress President Bhupen Kumar Bora said that Rabha's demise is an irreparable loss to the Assamese society.
GMCH superintendent Abhijit Sarma said 75-year-old Rabha, along with two sons, a daughter and other relatives, was admitted to the State Cancer Institute of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on April 22 due to severe weakness.
He said, "She is a patient of advanced stage carcinoma esophagus since 2021 and was undergoing treatment in our hospital. A metallic stain was put on her due to difficulty in swallowing six months ago." Sarma said that as Rabha's condition deteriorated He was admitted to the hospital last month and shifted to the ICU on May 4, after which he was given mechanical ventilator support on Sunday after he developed breathing problems."After all possible intensive care, he breathed his last at 9:23 am due to multiple organ failure," he said.
Rabha, whose son and brother were victims of witch hunts, fearlessly operated her NGO 'Mission Birubala' amid extreme hostility in remote areas. Despite facing several attempts on her life by superstitious villagers branding her a witch, she continued her courageous work. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma deeply condoled the demise of the social worker.
“I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Padmashree Smt. Birubala Rabha.Through her tireless efforts to end social evils she illuminated the path of hundreds of women with hope and confidence.
H posted on Chandra Moh Patowary reached GMCH and expressed his condolences.
He said, "It is a great loss to the state and the country. We will never get another person like Birubala Rabha, who defied all odds and stood up for humanity.,
Her mortal remains will be taken to her home in Goalpara district and cremated with full state honours, Patowari said. Born in 1949 in the remote Thakurvila village of Goalpara, her childhood was a struggle. Her father died when she was six, causing her to leave school after Grade 5 and help her mother run the household. Rabha was only 15 years old when she was married to a farmer with whom she had three children.
Rabha played a key role in enacting the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2015, which made every offense related to witch hunting cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable, with imprisonment of up to seven years. -A provision for punishment was also made.Fine of up to Rs 5 lakh for identifying a person and calling her a witch.
Their struggle against this threat began when their son was branded a 'witch' and sentenced to die within three days because he was mentally unstable. Her family was isolated for three years after she raised her voice against witch hunts. Rabha has also provided rehabilitation to the victims of the witch hunt problem apart from raising her voice against social evils and all kinds of superstitions. 'Mission Birubala' formed in 2012 to create awareness in India. The organization has so far saved the lives of 55 victims in Majuli, Kokrajhar, Goalpara and Tinsuki districts.
In recognition of his work to protect lives in rural India, he was awarded the 'Padma Shri', the country's fourth highest civilian award, in 2021.Under the project '1,000 Women', she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by The Swiss Peace, Switzerland in 2005. He received an honorary doctorate from Gauhati University, besides being honored with innumerable awards by various organisations. Condolence messages have started pouring in from various quarters, with Rabha being revered as a symbol of the crusade against superstition and a savior of mankind. Has been done
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that Rabha Baidev (elder sister) fought against the superstitions and prejudices prevalent in the society, exemplifying the strength of women through unwavering determination and courage.
He said, “Inspired by his work, we will always remain motivated to serve the community despite the challenges.My heart is filled with deep sorrow at the news of Baidev's demise. His demise has left an irreparable void in the social fabric of Assam." Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi also said Rabha's contribution will always be remembered and his ideals will remain a guide for every generation to come.
Condoling his demise, Assam Congress President Bhupen Kumar Bora said that Rabha's demise is an irreparable loss to the Assamese society.
