Belgian national devoted to Indian culture passes away in Gangavati

A Belgian national, Michèle Antonia Charel, 70, who had made Hanumanahalli in Gangavati taluk her home for the past four decades, passed away recently. Locally known as Meeramma, she was widely admired for her simple life, spiritual devotion, and service to the local community.

Ms. Charel had arrived in India at the age of 20 and later embraced Hinduism after receiving Sannyasa Diksha (monastic initiation) from a seer in Tamil Nadu. Deeply influenced by Indian philosophy, she adopted a life of simplicity and self-reliance, integrating completely into the local culture.

For many years, Meeramma was known for her compassion toward stray dogs in the Anegundi area and for planting and nurturing trees at Rishimukh Hill near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. She earned the affection of the villagers for her gentle nature and dedication to environmental and social work.

To sustain her livelihood, she made and sold handcrafted artefacts, working in association with a local non-governmental organisation.

Following her demise, the District Administration performed her last rites in accordance with Hindu traditions, respecting her long-held wishes. The police said there was nothing suspicious about her death, attributing it to natural causes and age-related ailments. Locals remembered Meeramma as “a saintly soul who lived for others,” bridging two worlds through compassion, humility, and faith.