Manfred (Petite Ferme)

Manfred (Manfred E. Lehnert) was a German physics engineer. He came to Auroville in the early 1990s having grown disillusioned with the lack of care for the environment during his time of work in Germany. In Auroville he settled in Petite Ferme on the invitation of Peter Anderschitz (who recently passed away as well). Together with Rolf B., a friend who arrived along with him, he acquired a piece of land there and built a guest-house, where both of them lived until they had built their own houses. His main interest was to build with environment-friendly materials. 

Manfred was also an active member of the Auroville Health Services for more than twenty years.

Auroville Health Services (AVHS) is a non-profit service in the area of public health and health care for seniors. It was set up by Dr Beena in 2001. When Dr Beena stepped back, Manfred took up her work with diligence.

Under Manfred's guidance the AVHS team was also concerned with providing psychological care for senior Aurovilians. Manfred was acutely aware of mental health problems that afflicted some seniors. With his effort a helpline was set up in Auroville. 

Manfred and Dorothee collaborated on the building of Mahalakshmi Home for old and infirm Aurovilians who need help in their final years.

We salute a dedicated Aurovilian for his years of service to Auroville. For the last few years, Manfred lived a fairly isolated life, being looked after by his wife Girija.

Manfred's mortal remains were buried on Wednesday, 24th June, at 4.30pm at the Auroville burial grounds.