Birubala Rabha - A Fearless Voice Against Witch Hunting In Assam

Birubala Rabha - A Fearless Voice Against Witch Hunting In Assam

Padma Shri Birubala Rabha (1954 – 13 May 2024), a social activist from Assam, is nationally recognized for her relentless fight against witch hunting and superstitious beliefs in rural India. Coming from a humble background in Goalpara district, Birubala rose to become a symbol of courage, compassion, and reform, dedicating her life to eradicating the inhuman practice of branding women as witches.

Early Life and Struggles

Birubala Rabha was born in 1954 in a poor tribal family in the Rabha community of Assam. With little formal education and no political backing, she faced personal hardships, including poverty and social exclusion.

Her turning point came when her own son fell ill, and she witnessed firsthand how villagers blamed "witchcraft" rather than seeking medical help. This sparked her lifelong mission to fight superstition with awareness and truth.

The Fight Against Witch Hunting

Witch hunting, especially in tribal and rural parts of Assam, has claimed the lives of many innocent women, falsely accused of bringing misfortune or illness. Birubala Rabha began campaigning door-to-door, speaking to villagers, confronting local faith healers, and organizing awareness programs to educate people on science, rational thinking, and human rights.

In 2006, she formally established Mission Birubala, an organization that works to:

  • Rescue and rehabilitate victims of witch hunting

  • Educate communities on the dangers of superstition

  • Train volunteers and social workers across Assam

  • Advocate for stronger laws and state intervention

Impact and Recognition

Through her courageous activism, Birubala Rabha has:

  • Saved dozens of lives by intervening in witch-hunting incidents

  • Inspired hundreds of grassroots volunteers and NGOs to take up the cause

  • Played a key role in the passing of anti-witch hunting laws in Assam

  • Spread awareness through schools, media, and public rallies across Northeast India

Her work has received widespread national and international attention, and she has emerged as one of India’s leading voices for rural justice and women’s rights.

Awards and Honors

  • Padma Shri (2021) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for her contribution to social work

  • Assam Gaurav Award for her exemplary service to the state

  • Honored by multiple human rights organizations, women’s forums, and academic institutions

  • Featured in documentaries and articles worldwide for her activism

Despite these honors, Birubala remains grounded, continuing her mission in remote villages and marginalized communities.

Legacy and Continued Work

Birubala Rabha is not just a name — she is a movement. Her life’s work has helped change laws, mindsets, and lives. Today, her story is included in textbooks and case studies on social reform, and her example continues to inspire young activists, students, and community leaders.

She proves that one woman with courage and conviction can challenge centuries-old traditions and lead a society toward justice and dignity.

Conclusion

Birubala Rabha stands as a beacon of change in modern India, showing how grassroots activism, compassion, and persistence can overcome fear, ignorance, and violence.

Her crusade against witch hunting in Assam is not just about superstition — it is about human rights, women's dignity, and building a rational society.

In the history of India’s social reform, Birubala Rabha’s name will forever shine as a fearless warrior for truth and justice.