The Moral Vision
The Learner-Teacher
~ 140 ~
THE LEARNER-TEACHER
Having a mission in life is the greatest spur to
achievement
Within a few days of landing in Bombay, in
November 1922, a young Spanish priest by the
name of Fr. Henry Heras found himself in the
presence of the St. Xavier’s College, Bombay. He
met the principle of the college. The young priest
was a historian, and had a degree in Spanish
history. “Which branch would you like to teach?”
the principal asked him. “Indian History,” Fr. Heras
replied. “What do you know about Indian history?
The principal asked him. Fr. Heras said he knew
nothing “How, then, are you going to teach it?” “I
shall study it.” Fr. Heras answered.
To those who knew that he had a degree in history
from Spain, it might have seemed strange that he
did not just choose a branch of the subject with
which he was thoroughly familiar, then settle into a
comfortable teaching routine which would bring
him his salary with the minimum of effort. Strange
indeed, until one discovered that his purpose in
