Thomas Stephens–a Human Monument of Inculturation in India

In this article I wish to focus on an acclaimed human monument of India, an individual whose name and life are indelibly etched within the psyche of the average Indian.He was a Jesuit, or a member of the Society of Jesus, who on departing the shores of Europe after having severed ties with his family and friends, opted to pass what remained of his days within the balmy and scenic climes of tropical South India, to convey in a hitherto unknown tongue the teachings of Christ to the nation's diverse indigenous people.Notwithstanding what one might say with regard to the integrity of their motives, men like him nevertheless served as advocates of the local heritage and architects of Inculturation, who made constructive efforts to embrace and cherish the many homegrown beliefs and cultures they came upon.