Renowned Human Rights Activist Birubala Rabha Succumbs to Cancer
Guwahati, May 13, 2024: In a somber turn of events, the esteemed human rights advocate and recipient of the Padma Shri award, Birubala Rabha, breathed her last at 9:23 am today, while under treatment at the State Cancer Institute in Guwahati. At 75 years old, Rabha’s passing marks the end of an era for the social justice movement.
According to a statement issued by the Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH), Rabha had been admitted to the State Cancer Institute on April 22, 2024, grappling with severe weakness and dizziness. Since April 23, 2021, she had valiantly battled advanced stage Carcinoma Oesophagus, undergoing Radiotherapy and concurrent Chemotherapy until July 01, 2021.
Despite her courageous fight, Rabha’s health continued to decline, necessitating her transfer to the ICU on May 4, 2024. With respiratory distress escalating, she was placed on a mechanical ventilator on May 12, 2024, but sadly succumbed to multi-organ failure at 9:23 AM today.
The Assam Government had previously pledged to cover Rabha’s medical expenses, with Cabinet Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary affirming the decision after visiting her at the State Cancer Institute on April 22, 2024.
Beyond her battle with cancer, Rabha’s legacy as an indefatigable activist remains indelible. She led impactful campaigns against witch-hunting, instrumental in the passage of the Prevention of and Protection from Witch Hunting Act, 2015, by the Assam Government. Her organization, Mission Birubala, continues to champion awareness against the perils of witch-hunting in society.
Recognizing her profound contributions, Rabha was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award by the Government of India in 2021. Her demise symbolizes the end of a significant chapter in the ongoing struggle for human rights and social justice in Assam and beyond.
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