Skip to content Skip to navigation

Renowned Social Activist Dr. Birubala Rabha Passes Away: A Beacon of Change

Renowned Social Activist Dr. Birubala Rabha Passes Away: A Beacon of Change

KOKRAJHAR: The social landscape of Assam mourns the loss of one of its most prominent crusaders for social justice and women's empowerment, Padmashri (Dr) Birubala Rabha, who breathed her last today morning at a hospital in Guwahati. Dr. Rabha, who had been undergoing treatment at the State Cancer Institute, Guwahati for the past few months, succumbed to her illness, leaving behind a legacy of relentless activism and reform.

Dr. Birubala Rabha was a pioneer in the fight against witch-hunting, a deeply entrenched social evil in Assam. Her tireless efforts were instrumental in the Assam government passing the Prevention of and Protection from Witch Hunting Act in 2015, a landmark legislation aimed at eradicating this barbaric practice.

Recognizing her unwavering dedication to social causes, Dr. Rabha was honored with the prestigious Padmashri for Social Work in 2021. Her commitment to humanitarian endeavors was further acknowledged when she received the 12th Upendranath Brahma Soldier of Humanity Award in 2014 and the Sati Sadhani Award in 2017.

Dr. Rabha's impact extended far beyond the borders of Assam. In 2008, she was felicitated by Reliance Industries Limited in Mumbai as part of their Real Heroes initiative, which celebrates ordinary individuals who perform extraordinary acts of service. Her name also found a place among the 1,000 women peace project in Switzerland, a testament to her global influence in advocating for peace and justice.

Condolences have poured in from all quarters following the news of Dr. Rabha's passing. Leaders of various social organizations, student unions, and eminent personalities across Assam have expressed their grief and paid tribute to her indomitable spirit. Chief Executive Member of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Pramod Boro, conveyed his deep condolences, highlighting Dr. Rabha's profound impact on society.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of eminent social activist Padmashri Birubala Rabha baideo. Her lifelong crusade for women empowerment, social justice & upliftment of the underprivileged has left an enduring mark on our society. She will forever remain a shining beacon of inspiration for us," said Pramod Boro, expressing his condolences.

Leaders including Assam cabinet minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma, Rajya Sabha MP Rwngwra Narzary, and Bodo Sahitya Sabha president Dr. Surath Narzary, among others, have extended their heartfelt condolences to Dr. Rabha's family. Their messages of solidarity and support echo the sentiments of a grateful community, mourning the loss of a true champion of social reform.

As Assam bids farewell to Dr. Birubala Rabha, her legacy of compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice will continue to inspire generations to come. Though she may have left this world, her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched and the profound change she brought about.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Author info

AT Kokrajhar Bureau's picture

Assam Times Kokrajhar bureau office, BTAD.

Add new comment

Random Stories

Flood scene still grim

17 Jun 2015 - 4:45pm | AT News
The overall flood scene turns more grim with more areas coming under the surging waters on Wednesday. The Brahmaputra and its tributaries have been flowing above the danger level following the...

Massive security in place for Republic Day

23 Jan 2018 - 1:29pm | AT News
GUWAHATI: Security forces are fanning in the nook and corner of the state to counter the ULFA(I) and NDFB(S) rebels who are believed to have been preparing to strike in the run up to the Republic Day...

Students Join Rally to Support Children, Prevent Human Trafficking

27 Oct 2019 - 9:19pm | CM Paul
Sonada: The Women’s Cell of Salesian College Sonada along with Radio Journalists (RJ) of Radio Salesian organized a rally on 25th October 2019 to create awareness on the need of child support and...

Bail for Sanghamitra

12 Apr 2013 - 5:13pm | AT News
Gauhati High Court on Friday granted bail to Sanghamitra Bharali who was arrested six months ago on corruption charges.Police arrested Bharli charging her with amassing wealth disproportionate to her...

Other Contents by Author

The 64th annual conference and literary festival of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha concluded on January 13 at Dwimu Nwgwr, Dimakuchi, in Udalguri district after a vibrant four-day celebration. Assam cabinet minister Pijush Hazarika attended as the chief guest, representing Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, while Pramod Boro, CEM of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), inaugurated the event. The event attracted delegates from Assam, Nepal, Bangladesh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, alongside representatives from various districts of Assam. The session featured cultural demonstrations from multiple communities, including Bodo, Nepali, Adivasi, Koch Rajbongshi, Bhutanese, and Bangladesh...
Kokrajhar, Jan 10: A workshop on 'Space Technology and Geospatial Advancement' was organized at the District Commissioner’s office conference hall in Tamulpur on Thursday. The event was a collaborative effort between the Tamulpur district administration and the Assam State Space Application Centre (ASSAC), under the Department of Science, Technology, and Climate Change, Government of Assam. The workshop commenced with an inaugural address by ASSAC Director PLN Raju, who emphasized the transformative potential of space technology for making Tamulpur a model district. District Commissioner Pankaj Chakraborty highlighted the application of space technology in addressing local challenges,...
Kokrajhar, Jan 10: The Assam State Rubber Growers' Conference for 2024-25 took place at the Regional Office Training Hall in Kajalgaon, Chirang district, on Friday. The one-day event attracted rubber growers from across Assam, fostering discussions on technical advancements, financial schemes, and opportunities in rubber cultivation. Rajya Sabha MP Rwngwra Narzary inaugurated the conference and commended its role in empowering rubber growers, particularly in the Bodoland region. He expressed optimism about the positive impact of such events on the development of rubber cultivation in the area. "I’m delighted to inaugurate this event, which provides technical knowledge and updates on...
In a significant milestone for the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Railways, and Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, virtually inaugurated a 10 KW FM transmitter at Akashvani Kokrajhar from Guwahati, Assam, on Friday. The inauguration marks a major advancement in broadcasting services for Kokrajhar and its neighboring districts. The ceremony witnessed participation from prominent leaders, including Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister of State Pabitra Margherita, and State Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu. A simultaneous event held at Science College in Kokrajhar was...
KOKRAJHAR, DEC 23: In a significant anti-poaching operation, a joint team of police and forest officials apprehended three poachers from 1 No. Donga village near the India-Bhutan border in Tamulpur district on Sunday. The team also seized two handmade rifles and an elephant tusk during the raids. Acting on a tip-off, the team first raided the residence of Chingarai Hasda (60) in 1 No. Donga village, where they recovered a handmade rifle. Upon interrogation, Chingarai disclosed that an elephant tusk was concealed in the house of Sanu Hembrom (60), another resident of the same village. Following this lead, the team raided Sanu Hembrom’s house and successfully recovered the tusk. Further...
KOKRAJHAR, DEC 23: A one-day awareness programme on "Reclaiming the Climate for a Resilient and Sustainable Future" under the Green Bodoland Mission (GBM), an initiative by the Government of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), was held at Lowerpara Panbari village in Bijni subdivision, Chirang district, on Monday. Organized by GBM, the event focused on building a "green, smart, and peaceful Bodoland" and highlighted the mission's efforts to promote afforestation, sustainability, and community involvement. Launched in July, the GBM has so far engaged 258 youth clubs and adopted 10 villages across the BTR. As part of its plantation drive, the mission has planted over 1.2 lakh saplings in...
Kokrajhar, Dec 16: The government of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) celebrated its fourth anniversary on Sunday with a grand event that highlighted the contributions of individuals and organizations toward the development of the region. A major highlight of the event was the conferring of the Jwhwlao Nileswar Brahma Cultural Award 2024 to noted Bodo folk singer and comedian actor Gunabati Basumatary, popularly known as Dangkhw Lwdw. The award, presented by the Cultural Affairs Department, Government of BTR, included a citation, an endi shawl, a memento, and a cheque worth ₹2 lakh. Gunabati Basumatary, a beloved figure in Bodo culture, has made significant contributions to preserving...
Kokrajhar district is grappling with a significant malaria outbreak, with 1,991 cases reported up to November 20, 2024, marking a stark rise from 256 cases recorded in 2023. The outbreak has resulted in two fatalities in the past week, including that of a young child. On the morning of November 22, 27-year-old Jwngsar Wary from Aitugaon village under Kokrajhar Sadar Police Station succumbed to malaria at MRM Memorial Hospital, Kokrajhar. He had been admitted on November 19 but could not recover despite treatment. Earlier, on November 17, four-year-old Shivani Monger from Saralpara passed away at Sarfang Hospital in Bhutan, where her family had taken her for treatment. The sharp...
The ex-National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) Welfare Association has called for general amnesty for all leaders, members, and cadres still imprisoned despite the BTR Peace Accord signed on January 27, 2020. A six-member delegation from the association met AK Mishra, Adviser to the North East Division, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in New Delhi, submitting a memorandum addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The delegation, led by President Rujugra Mwchahary and General Secretary Dilranjan Narzary, highlighted concerns about detained individuals, including Ranjan Daimari, founding President of the former NDFB and a signatory to the peace accord, who remains in Guwahati...
The first-ever Bodoland Mohotsov, a grand cultural event, is set to commence on Friday with a two-day program at the SAI Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. Organized under the theme “Ethos of Peace and Harmony: An Integral Part of Nation Building,” the event is spearheaded by the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU), Bodo Sahitya Sabha, and Dularai Bodo Harimu Afad, in collaboration with the Government of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The Mohotsov coincides with the 73rd foundation day celebration of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (Bodo Thunlai Saan), which will be observed on Saturday, November 16. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will grace the occasion as the chief guest on Friday...