A Symphony of Passion and Purpose
In today’s dynamic educational world the need for quality education is high, and the need for quality leadership is even more paramount. As leaders these individuals are expected to cultivate a supportive attitude among students – within the four walls of the classroom and beyond, while instilling a strong sense of social responsibility. Additionally, they wield an important authority to instigate changes, and as responsible leaders head their respective institutes towards calculated upliftment and competence. Dr. Joseph K Thomas personifies all these attributes, heading Mysore International School & St. Anthony’s International School as the Founding Chairman, providing effective leadership, guidance and direction to all the school and its associates, be it the students, teachers and even parents.
From Battlefield to Boardroom
Dr. Joseph K Thomas is a multifaceted individual who has played many roles throughout his life, including being a Kargil War veteran, a corporate leader, an educationist, a social entrepreneur, an angel investor, a certified independent director, a peace ambassador, a dedicated philanthropist, and a prolific author. He often describes himself with the phrase, “A soldier by choice, an engineer by profession, an educationist by passion, and an Amazon best-selling author of six books.”
He was born in the picturesque hill station of Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka. During his 20-year military career, he participated in significant operations, including the Indian Peace Keeping Force mission in Sri Lanka and the Op-Vijay Kargil. He had the privilege of working with the former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, and the DRDO team during the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in the Pokhran desert. After taking premature retirement from the Army in 2002, he transitioned into the corporate world, leveraging his MBA in HR to secure a role as an HR Manager at a US-based IT company in Bangalore.
Over his 20-year corporate career, he has built and led multi-country contact centers, engineering and networking centers, Centers of Excellence (CoE), data centers, and mobile networks across various countries, including India, China, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Israel, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Japan. He also currently serves as the Regional Director for Asia Pacific & Japan at Diebold Nixdorf, managing operations across 25 countries, while also operating as the Chairman and Founder of Santo Group of Institutions, Mysore which operates two CBSE schools in Mysore: Mysore International School and St. Anthony’s International School.
As the Founder and Chairman
As the Founder Chairman of Mysore International School & St. Anthony’s International School, Dr. Joseph K Thomas has embraced the role of a guide—one who inspires rather than dictates, nurturing the innate curiosity and wonder within every child and student. Under his leadership, the school has crafted curricula that move beyond rote memorization, fostering a spirit of inquiry, a passion for exploration, and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all knowledge.
As Chairman, he has been a torchbearer, illuminating the path to self-discovery and lifelong learning. He believes that within the hallowed halls of knowledge, the seeds of transformation are sown, where young minds are shaped not merely with information but with the tools of critical thinking, empathy, and an insatiable thirst for intellectual growth.
In a brief conversation, when asked about the biggest challenge he has faced at Mysore International School, Dr. Joseph K Thomas replied, “Setting up a private school itself is perhaps the biggest challenge in our country. The mandatory norms set by the government suggest that the lives of private school children are deemed more valuable than those of government school children.” Dr. Thomas highlighted the disparity by asking, “Why these double standards for the lives of children from poor families studying at government schools?” This statement reflects his concern about the inequalities in the education system.
On a Personal Note
On a personal level, Dr. Joseph K Thomas interests extend far beyond literature, encompassing diverse fields where he seeks to catalyze positive change and empower individuals to realize their full potential. As a corporate leader, educationist, and social entrepreneur, his multifaceted journey is driven by a singular purpose—to create environments where people can thrive, innovation can flourish, and the transformative power of human potential can be unleashed.
He believes that mental health, encompassing our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, is crucial. It influences how we think, feel, and act, shaping our ability to manage stress, connect with others, and make healthy choices. Recognizing its importance at every stage of life—from childhood through adulthood—he emphasizes nurturing mental well-being.
As a result of all his life’s work and dedication, Dr. Joseph K Thomas has received numerous accolades, including six national and five international awards. Moreover, as an early-stage investor, he has supported multiple startups, including a Web 3 company that has now achieved unicorn status with a valuation of $2.2 billion.
His leadership extends to being a Board Director at Fandoo Networks in Singapore and serving as a Board Advisor for Corporate Governance at The Binary Holdings in Dubai.
As an author, he has found an unexpected yet fulfilling path, with each book reflecting his diverse experiences and deep belief in India’s potential. He has published six books, all of which have become Amazon #1 Bestsellers. His titles include 1. India: The Next Superpower Tame the Dragon, Unleash the Tiger, 2. Conman-in-Chief of Capitol Coup Impeach. Repeat., 3. India’s New Education Policy 2020, 4. Taliban 2.0 Fall of Afghanistan and What It Means for India, 5. Russia – Ukraine Unveiled World At War, and 6. Israeli – Palestine War – Give a Chance to Peace. His first book, India: The Next Superpower, has been translated into six regional languages: Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada.
