Guwahati, 9th May: Dr. Birubala Rabha, known for her fearless activism against superstitions and witch-hunting, is currently receiving treatment for cancer at The Guwahati Cancer Hospital. Despite her health challenges, she continues to inspire resilience and advocacy in Assam.
Members of the Nikhil Rabha Students’ Union, led by President Shri Motilal Baksa and General Secretary Dr. Subhash Rabha, visited Dr. Birubala Rabha to convey their well wishes for her speedy recovery. They urged the government to ensure she receives the best possible treatment during this time.
Born in 1954 in Thakurvila village near the Meghalaya border in Assam’s Goalpara district, Dr. Birubala Rabha has faced personal challenges but emerged as a formidable activist. Despite dropping out of school to support her family, she has tirelessly advocated for marginalized communities.
Dr. Birubala Rabha’s activism gained momentum after her son’s misdiagnosis by a village quack in 1985. This traumatic experience prompted her to challenge superstitions and fraudulent practices perpetuated by quacks in rural areas.
Dr. Birubala Rabha’s relentless efforts have earned her numerous awards, including a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2005 and an honorary Doctorate from Gauhati University in 2015. In 2021, she was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award by the Government of India for her significant contributions to social work.