Imagine a Spanish Jesuit learning Gujarati so fluently that people think he was born speaking it. Carlos G. Vallés, a Spanish mathematician, and Jesuit priest, was born in 1925 in Logroño, Spain. He spent a significant chunk of his life in India, navigating through cultural differences like a pro. Vallés arrived in India in the 1950s, going on to make Ahmedabad, a bustling city in the western state of Gujarat, his home. His mission was clear: to spread education and build a bridge between two diverse cultures using the magic of language.
Carlos Vallés was a man who wore many hats. While primarily known as a Jesuit, he was also a celebrated writer and an accomplished mathematician. One might wonder, why would someone from Spain become so invested in a regional language of India? His move would likely seem puzzling unless you knew his love for languages. Vallés mastered Gujarati, and with it, he published more than 80 books on spirituality, mathematics, and his cherished multi-cultural experiences in both English and Gujarati. A man on a mission to fuse the East and West, Vallés embodied the idea that language is not just a means of communication but a vehicle for deeper understanding.
His writings reflect his deep appreciation for the culture and spirituality that he found in India. Vallés beautifully articulated the Indian ethos, focusing on life's spiritual and philosophical aspects while weaving in anecdotes from his life and Western perspectives. His books were more than just translations—a kind of cultural transposition—and paved the way for his acceptance as a beloved figure in Gujarat and beyond.
Living in India from 1951 until 1990, Vallés immersed himself deeply in Indian society. He bridged cultural divides by teaching mathematics in Gujarat, further embracing the culture and advocating for understanding and respect regardless of one's background. His mathematical education didn't just involve theorems and formulas; it was about opening minds and changing perceptions. By learning the local language, he guaranteed that his message resonated more deeply with his audience, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
After decades of life in India, Vallés eventually returned to Spain, but his work lived on. Generations of Indians held him in high regard, not only for his contributions to literature and education but also for his embodiment of global citizenship and love for humanity. Through his tireless dedication to language and mutual respect, Vallés cemented his legacy as one who truly understood the essence of cultural exchange.
One of the most admirable characteristics of Vallés was his open-mindedness. As someone who was deeply rooted in his own Catholic traditions, he could have easily dismissed Eastern philosophies. Yet he absorbed them, finding parallel values and connecting these dots through his writing. His books became platforms for discussing these intersections—“Gandhi, my friend” and “Being a Christian” are among those addressing such dialogues. This open-minded and humanitarian approach appealed to many, sparking curiosity and introspection among his readers.
In a world that's increasingly divided, Vallés's work is a poignant reminder of our inherent interconnectedness. Compassion, understanding, and a willingness to see beyond one’s immediate horizon mark the enduring zeitgeist of his legacy. Some critics might have seen his views as overly idealistic, arguing that deep-seated cultural and religious differences can't be bridged so idealistically. Yet Vallés never claimed to have all the answers. What he offered was a starting point, utilizing literature as a conversation starter.
It's fascinating to think about how Vallés's teaching methodologies might be viewed today. With the rise of digital platforms, online education, and globalized learning, would he have embraced these tools to further his mission? One can only imagine how he could have enriched platforms like YouTube or Coursera with his lessons on both mathematics and the shared human experience.
In retrospect, his progressive thinking about cross-cultural dialogues seems ahead of its time, striking a chord with today's Gen Z, who frequently engage with diverse ideologies online. Vallés demonstrates that language is one of the most potent tools for mutual understanding and breaking down barriers. As we confront global challenges that require unprecedented levels of cooperation, his life’s work gains even more relevance. Vallés's story isn't just about a Jesuit who spoke Gujarati; it's about someone who dared to imagine a world without borders.