Padma Shri Awardee Dr. Birubala Rabha Passes Away at the Age of 75

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Dr. Birubala Rabha, recipient of the Padma Shri award, passed away at the age of 75 in the State Cancer Institute (SCI) at Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) in Assam. 

An Overview of the News

• Birubala Rabha was born in 1954 in Thakurvilla village of Goalpara, Assam.

• Founded 'Mission Birubala' in 2012 to combat superstitions and raise awareness against witch-hunting.

• Through her efforts, 55 lives were saved in Majuli, Kokrajhar, Goalpara, and Tinsukia districts.

• Played a key role in the enactment of the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention, and Protection) Act, 2015.

• This law imposed penalties of up to Rs 5 lakh and 7 years of imprisonment for accusing someone of being a witch.

Awards and Honours

• Padma Shri: Awarded in 2021 for her efforts in protecting lives in rural India

• Nobel Peace Prize Nomination: Nominated in 2005 by The Swiss Peace, Switzerland under the project '1000 Women'

• Honorary Doctorate: Awarded by Gauhati University in 2015