GUWAHATI: Birubala Rabha, the Padma Shri recipient and renowned human rights activist breathed her last on May 13, at 9:23 AM at the State Cancer Institute (SCI), Guwahati.
Rabha had been battling cancer for a long time, the Assam Government had taken the decision to cover the medical expenses of Birubala Rabha.
Birubala Rabha's crusade against witch-hunting has garnered national recognition. Born in 1954 in the village of Thakurvila, near the Meghalaya border in Goalpara, she faced personal challenges early in life.
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Despite dropping out of school at a young age to support her family, she emerged as a formidable activist, advocating for marginalised communities.
Her activism gained momentum after a harrowing experience involving her son's misdiagnosis by a village quack in 1985.
This incident spurred her to challenge baseless superstitions and fraudulent practices perpetuated by quacks in rural areas.
Over the years, Birubala Rabha has been honoured with numerous awards for her tireless efforts, including a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2005 by the Northeast Network and an honorary Doctorate from Gauhati University in 2015.
In 2021, her significant contributions to social work were recognised by the Government of India, which conferred upon her the prestigious Padma Shri award.
Birubala Rabha 75 years old was admitted to the State Cancer Institute, GMC on April 22 under the Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine due
to severe weakness and dizziness. She underwent Radiotherapy with concurrent Chemotherapy at the State Cancer Institute, Gauhati Medical College.
