Assam: ‘Day against Superstitious Beliefs’ to be observed to commemorate Birubala Rabha

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: The Assam Government has decided to observe May 13 every year as the ‘Day against Superstitious Beliefs.’ May 13 is the day when renowned social reformer Birubala Rabha passed away in 2024. The decision has been taken to recognize the yeoman’s services rendered by Birubala Rabha.

The Department of Women and Child Development issued a notification to this effect. The notification has guidelines stating the rules and responsibilities of various departments.

The objective for commemoration of the day is to create awareness against superstitious beliefs harmful to society and to promote scientific literacy, rational thinking, and critical decision-making through a coordinated approach.

The guidelines entrusted the School Education Department and Higher Education Department to hold specific events in various educational institutions on the day. The events may preferably be conducted during the morning assembly and be adjusted to the first period of that school day, class-wise. The events may consist of lectures, debates, essay competitions, poster-making contests, etc., focusing on topics of scientific and rational thinking. The department may also organize workshops and seminars in higher educational institutions on topics relevant to the occasion. The department will also facilitate interactive sessions for the students and the community, the guidelines said.

The Department of Health and Family Welfare, according to the guidelines, will develop and disseminate information on common health-related superstitious beliefs prevalent in the society utilizing mass media channels.

The Panchayat & Rural Development (P&RD) Department will organize special gram sabhas in every Gram Panchayat of the state on the assigned day and invite doctors, educationists, representatives of science societies, social workers, and others of the locality to highlight issues relating to harmful effects of superstitious beliefs. Places and localities witnessing incidences of witch hunting in the past should be areas of special focus.

The Women & Child Development Department, in collaboration with NGOs, CBOs, and other community-based groups working in the field, will organize awareness meetings and campaigns as below. Programmes will be organized at the district level, ICDS project level, and Anganwadi Centre level. Such events will focus on the harmful impacts of superstitious beliefs, especially on women and children.

The Science & Technology Department, with the help of the ASTE Council, is already implementing various activities related to the drive against superstitious beliefs across the state through its outreach network. To commemorate the “Day against Superstitious Beliefs,” activities shall be actively carried out by Aryabhatta Science Centres spread across 219 blocks of the state, besides relevant institutions and eco-clubs, to spread the message of scientific and rational thinking.

Also Read: ‘Birubala Rabha left an indelible mark on movement against social evils’: CM Sarma Visits Family of Late Birubala Rabha, Pledges to Immortalize Her Anti-Witch-Hunting Legacy

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