Honouring a Beacon of Rational Thought: Dr. Birubala Rabha
On May 13, 2025, Assam came together to mark a significant occasion—the observance of the “Day Against Superstitious Beliefs”, commemorating the first death anniversary of the late Dr. Birubala Rabha.
This state-level event paid tribute to the extraordinary life and contributions of a woman who stood tall against fear, ignorance, and deeply rooted social injustices.
Organised by the Women and Child Development Department, Assam, in collaboration with the District Administration and DSWO Kamrup Metro, the observance was more than a symbolic gesture—it was a reaffirmation of the values that Dr. Rabha championed throughout her life.
The Life and Legacy of Dr. Birubala Rabha
Dr. Birubala Rabha was not just a social reformer; she was a movement in herself. Born into poverty in the rural interiors of Meghalaya, she experienced hardship from a young age.
Married as a teenager and with no access to higher education, Dr. Rabha could have remained just another forgotten face among India’s underserved millions. But her life took a remarkable turn.
Witnessing firsthand the horror of witch-hunting and superstitious practices, she chose to raise her voice when silence was the norm. What began as a lone effort to rescue women falsely branded as witches soon grew into a wide-reaching social movement. Through Mission Birubala, she provided shelter, support, and dignity to countless victims of social prejudice.
Her work wasn’t easy. She faced threats, social ostracism, and resistance from deeply conservative communities. But nothing deterred her spirit.
With quiet determination, she became a powerful advocate for human rights, rationalism, and women’s empowerment in one of the most neglected areas of rural injustice.
In recognition of her decades-long battle against superstition, the Government of India awarded her the Padma Shri in 2021.
The Day Against Superstitious Beliefs: A Statewide Commitment
Witch-hunting is not a relic of the past. In parts of Assam and other northeastern states, women—especially widows, elderly women, or those from marginalized communities—continue to be accused of witchcraft, subjected to violence, and even killed.
The “Day Against Superstitious Beliefs” is a clarion call to confront this harsh reality. It is a day to:
Promote scientific thinking and awareness at the grassroots level.
Strengthen legal and social mechanisms to combat superstition-driven violence.
Empower women through education and community engagement.
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Birubala Rabha.
Through public discussions, community awareness programs, and collaborative initiatives, the observance is designed to extend Dr. Rabha’s mission into the future—protecting the vulnerable and educating the misled.
Her Mission Lives On
Dr. Birubala Rabha’s impact lives on through every rescued woman, every child educated in rational thought, and every village that learns to reject fear and embrace facts. Her legacy continues to inspire activists, educators, policymakers, and community leaders.
She proved that lasting change doesn't require great power—only great courage.
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| Birubala Rabha (1954 – 13 May 2024) was an Indian activist from Goalpara, Assam, who fought against witch hunting. She founded Mission Birubala, an organization dedicated to raising awareness on the issue. Her efforts were crucial in the passage of Assam’s 2015 legislation to prevent and protect against witch hunting. In 2021, she was honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, for her contributions to social work. |
An Annual Observance to Honour Her Legacy
Starting this year, May 13 will be observed every year in Assam as the "Day Against Superstitious Beliefs". This annual event will serve as a reminder of Dr. Rabha’s tireless advocacy and a renewed pledge to end the cruel practices born out of superstition and ignorance.
It is a fitting tribute to a woman who gave her life to defending the truth.
Note
Dr. Birubala Rabha may no longer be physically among us, but her mission continues—louder and stronger than ever. Her life is a beacon that lights the way toward a more rational, humane, and just society.
As Assam commits to observing this day annually, it honours not just the memory of a great woman, but the ideals she stood for.
Let this be more than a remembrance—let it be a movement.
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