THE LEARNER-TEACHER

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