Australian Minister from Kottayam finds grave of Thalassery woman killed in Cyclone Tracy in Darwin
Darwin: The grave of a Thalassery native who perished in the devastating 1974 cyclone has been discovered at the Darwin General Cemetery in Australia’s Northern Territory. The grave belongs to Malini Bell, whose name is inscribed in both Malayalam and English on the headstone. The epitaph reads: “Beloved wife of Tom, dearest mother of John and Shobha. Born in Thalassery, India, aged 40. Died in the 1974 cyclone.” A verse from the Bhagavad Gita—“Dehi Nityam Avadhayo Yam Dehe Sarvasya”—is also engraved in Malayalam.
The discovery was made by Jinson Anton Charles, an Indian-origin minister in the Northern Territory. Charles came across information about the grave during a visit to the St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Cathedral in Darwin. He conducted a two-hour search at the General Cemetery before locating the grave. Upon finding it, Charles laid a floral wreath to honour Malini’s memory.
The story of Malini Bell had remained unknown, even among the Indian community in Darwin. December 25 marks the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy, which claimed numerous lives, including Malini’s. To commemorate her memory, a special prayer service will be held at the Darwin Sithi Vinayakar Temple on Wednesday. Charles, with the assistance of his friend Vinu, has planned this solemn tribute despite the Christmas festivities.
Jinson Anton Charles, who hails from Poonjar is the eldest son of Charles Antony. He is also the brother of Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony. Jinson migrated to Australia in 2011 as a nurse and later rose to prominence in politics. He became a Minister representing the Sanderson constituency under the Liberal Party banner. Currently, he serves as the Director of Top End Mental Health in Darwin and lectures at Charles Darwin University.
Efforts are now underway to trace Malini’s roots in Thalassery, Kerala. Charles has expressed his commitment to uncovering more about her life and ensuring her story is remembered.