The Assam Government has declared May 13 as the ‘Day Against Superstitious Beliefs’ to raise awareness about the harmful effects of superstitions and promote scientific literacy, rational thinking, and critical decision-making.
Background: This date marks the death anniversary of Padma Shri awardee Birubala Rabha (2024), a social activist known for her campaign against witch hunting in Assam.
Birubala Rabha: A Pioneer Against Witch Hunting
Birubala Rabha, a social activist from Thakurvila village in Goalpara district, Assam, has been tirelessly campaigning against witchcraft and witch hunting since the 1980s.
Achievements & Contributions:
- She founded Mission Birubala, an organization dedicated to spreading awareness about the evils of witch hunting across Assam.
- Successfully rescued over 50 women from being labeled as witches.
- Recognized internationally, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.
- On January 25, 2021, she was awarded the Padma Shri for her exceptional contributions.
Witch Hunting
Witch hunting involves targeting individuals, mostly women, believed to practice witchcraft or sorcery. It thrives in communities where superstitions are deeply ingrained.
Underlying Reasons Behind Witch Hunting
- Property and Land Disputes
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- Motivated by conflicts over property ownership or attempts to grab land.
- Often driven by jealousy or personal enmity.
- Rejection of Romantic Advances
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- Accusations may arise from rejection of love proposals.
- Disapproval of sexual advances can also lead to branding someone as a witch.
- Socioeconomic Factors
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- Lack of education and limited employment opportunities.
- Inadequate healthcare facilities lead people to depend on local shamans, deodhani, or tantrics for treatment, perpetuating superstitions.
Efforts to Address Witch Hunting in Assam
- Mission Birubala: Led by Birubala Rabha, this initiative focuses on creating awareness and rescuing victims of witch hunting.
- Project Prahari:
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- Launched by former DGP Kuladhar Saikia in response to the 2000 Kokrajhar tragedy where five villagers were killed after being branded as witches.
- Aims to foster collaboration between the police and communities, ensuring early identification and prevention of such incidents.
- Sanskar – Manuhe Manuhor Babe:
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- An awareness campaign initiated by former CM Sarbananda Sonowal to eliminate superstitions and cultivate empathy among people.
