Birubala Rabha (Assamese: বিৰুবালা ৰাভা; born 1954) is an Indian activist who campaigns against witch-hunting in India. She is based in Goalpara, Assam.She runs an organisation called Mission Birubala which spreads awareness against witch hunting. She was instrumental in the Assam Government passing the Prevention of and Protection from Witch Hunting Act, 2015. The Government of India awarded her the fourth-highest civilian honour of the Padma Shri, in 2021, for her contributions to social work.
Rabha was born in 1954 in the village of Thakurvila, near the border of Meghalaya in Assam's 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 fifteen when she was married to her husband, a farmer who she had three children with.
In 1985, her mentally-ill eldest son, Dharmeswar, suffered from a bout of typhoid, leading Rabha and her husband to take him to their local 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, who she believed were 'frauds'.
Dr. Birubala Rabha, a remarkable individual, is a prominent activist for women's rights and social justice in India. Her unwavering commitment to challenging deep-rooted societal norms and fighting against harmful cultural practices has made her a beacon of hope for countless women and marginalized communities.
Born into the Rabha tribe, Dr. Birubala Rabha grew up witnessing the challenges and injustices faced by women within her community. Determined to bring about change, she dedicated her life to advocating for their rights and uplifting their voices.
One of Dr. Birubala Rabha's most significant contributions was her relentless fight against the illegal practice of witch-hunting prevalent in parts of India. Witch-hunting involves the persecution and violence against women accused of practicing witchcraft, often resulting in their torture, expulsion from their communities, or even death. Driven by a deep sense of empathy and justice, she fearlessly exposed and campaigned against these heinous acts, shedding light on the plight of the victims and demanding justice.
Her efforts to eradicate witch-hunting were not without personal sacrifices. Dr. Birubala Rabha faced threats, intimidation, and societal backlash for her outspokenness. However, she stood undeterred, refusing to back down in the face of adversity. Her courage and determination inspired others to join the cause, leading to a significant shift in public awareness and governmental action against this brutal practice.
Dr. Birubala Rabha's impact extended beyond her fight against witch-hunting. She actively engaged in advocating for women's rights, including addressing issues such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and access to education and healthcare. Through her tireless efforts, she sought to empower women and marginalized communities, encouraging them to assert their rights and challenge oppressive systems.
Recognizing her immense contributions, Dr. Birubala Rabha has been honored with numerous awards and accolades, both nationally and internationally. Her unwavering dedication to social justice and the empowerment of women has earned her widespread respect and admiration.
Beyond her activism, Dr. Birubala Rabha is also an influential figure within the Rabha tribe, working tirelessly to preserve and promote its cultural heritage. She recognizes the importance of keeping alive the traditions, customs, and arts of her community, while also advocating for their evolution in a changing world.
Dr. Birubala Rabha's life and work serve as a testament to the power of one individual's unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Through her advocacy, she has not only transformed the lives of countless women and marginalized communities but also inspired a new generation of activists to continue the fight for a more just and inclusive society.
In conclusion, Dr. Birubala Rabha's indomitable spirit, courage, and unwavering dedication to social justice and women's rights make her a true icon and a force for positive change. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, reminding us of the power of activism and the importance of standing up against injustice.
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