Assam’s anti-witch hunting crusader Birubala Rabha passes away, last rites performed with full state honour 

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 13, 2024

Renowned anti-witch hunting activist Birubala Rabha breathed her last at the State Cancer Institute here following a valiant battle with cancer at 9.27 am on Monday.

She was 75. She leaves behind two sons and a daughter at the time of her death.

Birubala Rabha, who was battling stage 3 cancer, had been under hospital care for several days.

Her mortal remains were taken to her ancestral Thakurvilla Village bordering Meghalaya, where the last rites were performed with full state honour.

Her eldest son kindled the fire on the funeral pyre in the presence of state tourism minister Jayanta Mallabaruah and representatives of hundreds of social organizations.

Rabha was born in 1954 in Thakurvila village in Goalpara district. Her father died when she was six, forcing her to drop out of school and help her mother run the household. Rabha was 15 when she was married to her husband, a farmer with whom she had three children.

In 1985, her mentally ill eldest son, Dharmeswar, suffered from a bout of typhoid, leading Rabha and her husband to take him to a village quack. They were told that he had been possessed by and had married a fairy, who was pregnant with his child and that as soon as this child was born he would die. According to the quack, Dharmeswar had only three days to live. However, he eventually recovered, living long after his diagnosis. After this incident, Rabha realised that the superstitions that led to the diagnosis of her son were baseless and stopped visiting quacks, which she believed were frauds.

Initially, Rabha formed the Thakurvila Mahila Samity, a women’s association raising awareness of various social ills, including witch-hunting in her local village and later in 2006 became involved in the Assam Mahila Samata Society. 

In 2011 she founded Mission Birubala; a non-profit organisation made up of a network of social activists, survivors and lawyers; which aims to educate and spread awareness against witch-hunting, as well as support and protect survivors and potential victims of witch hunts across the state of Assam.

Despite facing ridicule and attacks from those who defend the belief in witches, and being subjected to accusations of witchcraft herself, Rabha frequently spoke out against witch-branding and hunting at meetings, organised awareness camps and taught school lessons denouncing the practice. She also rescued over 35 women branded as witches in the last decade of her life.

In 2015 the activist’s campaigning prompted the Assam government to pass The Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition Prevention and Protection) Act, which many consider to be India’s toughest anti-witch-hunting law. The act, which came into effect in 2018, allows up to seven years in jail along with a substantial fine for identifying and branding a person as a witch and extends the punishment for leading a person to commit suicide after accusing them of witchcraft to life imprisonment.

Rabha was recognised for her work against witch-hunting in Assam with numerous awards and accolades. In 2005 she was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize by the Northeast Network (a women’s rights organisation operating in Assam) and in 2015 was awarded an honorary Doctorate from Gauhati University.

In 2021 she was recognised by the Union government for her social work and campaigning with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in the country.

Expressing his deep condolences Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria said, “With the death of Birubala Rabha, the state has lost a compassionate soul and an activist who dedicated her life to the emancipation and empowerment of women”. He said that belonging to a humble family, Birubala Rabha displaying her profound and unflinching commitment, fought vociferously against the social myth that is witch hunting. He said that Birubala Rabha is an inspiration to lakhs of women who by her courage fought against social evil.

“Her demise would create an irreparable void in the social life. However, she left behind a rich legacy of her works and contributions, which would be a source of inspiration for the women in society. “I express my condolence and pray to the Almighty for eternal peace of the departed soul”, the Governor added.

Assam chief minister expressed deep grief over the demise of Rabha and remembered her for her life-long efforts and works aimed at ushering in a social renaissance against superstitions, evil customs and practices such as witch-hunting, to name a few.

Sarma said Birubala Rabha dedicated her life towards the creation of a society that is based on rationalism and scientific thinking. He added that the life and works of Birubala Rabha should go a long way in motivating others to contribute towards the creation of a “model society”. 

The chief minister extended his condolences to the bereaved family members of Birubala Rabha. 

The chief minister issued instructions for her last rites to be performed with full state honour. He also asked two of his cabinet colleagues, forest & environment minister Chandramohan Patowary and tourism minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, to do the needful to ensure the smooth conduct of Birubala Rabha’s last rites.

Condoling the death of Rabha, Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah said: “The death of Birubala Rabha is an irreparable loss to Assam. We are saddened by the passing away of a struggling being like Rabha. I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Biruala Rabha and extend my condolences to the bereaved family members.”

In a message, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi said: “We are saddened, heartbroken by the news of Birubala Rabha’s death. The struggle of Birubala Rabha to remove the dark clouds of superstition and superstition and spread light in society will always be remembered by the nation. Rava’s life and ideals will be a guide for every generation to come.”

“She was a lifelong fighter for the killing of witches and the eradication of superstitions and superstitions in the society,” Gogoi added.

All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) also condoled the demise of Rabha and said: “Buirubala Rabha’s passing away is a significant loss to society. We pay homage to her and express gratitude for her invaluable contributions. We hope that her legacy continues to inspire and remains a beacon for future generations.”

In a message, ABSU president Dipen Boro and general secretary Khanaindra Basumatary said: “Birubala Raabha is a fervent advocate against superstition and dedicated social worker. We pray for the peaceful repose of her soul in the heavenly realm and express solidarity with the grieving family and loved ones.”