Dr. James Thomas was born in Kerala in a middle class family. His father gave him the best education he could. He studied pre-degree course from Calicut University and then moved to the University of Mysore for higher studies. He then pursued his education from St. Philomena’s College, Mysore and later enrolled for MSW course at Manasagangotri. He did his Doctoral Studies from the Department of Studies in Social Work, University of Mysore.
Dr. James hails from an agricultural family of Kerala, a place very near to the Western Ghats. He is one among the 5 children for his parents.
He is married to Dr. Nithyaleela, a management consultant and she is the promoter of a Foreign Language Institute and also manages the affairs of SNEHA.
They have two daughters and both are studying.
He is also a sports loving person, was a member of the basketball team in college and learnt Martial Arts in Kerala as well as in Mysore. He has also represented Manasagangotri in Shuttle Badminton in the intercollegiate sports meet of the University of Mysore. He is also a sharp shooter, took his shooting certificate from the Police Academy, Koramangala, Bangalore. Interested in trekking and photography too.
He has been trained in professional Social Work, initially placed at Mission Hospital, Mysore for his field practicum during the 1st year of MSW course. He was placed at Vikrant Tyres (presently J. K. Tyres), Mysore for his second year of field practicum and did his project on ‘Employee Satisfaction’ at Vikrant Tyres.
He was attracted to Social Work and formed a Trust called ‘SNEHA’ (Society for New Environment and Humanitarian Action) with his colleagues. They have organized various programs viz, Blood donation camps, Free eye check-up and cataract operation camp, Free medical check-up camp, Cancer prevention awareness and detection camp in collaboration with Kidwai Institute of Oncology etc., (You may visit www.trustsneha.org).
He is widely known for his organizational capabilities. He is a supporter of social media and his presence is very much visible on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp etc.
Dr. James has vast years of experience in various fields and is one of the very prominent CHROs in the Apparel and Retail Industry. He has been associated with academic bodies of various institutions and has established L&D Department in many organizations. Also organizes various out bound training program for his employees. He is the member of various professional bodies and presently the Chairman of Publication and Magazine Committee and Executive member of NIPM – Karnataka Chapter, President of Alumni Association of University of Mysore, Director of Community Services of Rotary International, Bangalore National Club, member of Centenary Celebrations (2016) Committee of University of Mysore, and Founder & Managing Trustee of SNEHA. He has received HR Leadership award in 2013 from Employer Branding Institute and the recipient of ‘100 Most Talented Global HR Leaders’ Award from World HRD Congress in 2015. He has also received the ‘50 Most Influential Training and Development Professional’ from CHRO Asia.
From young age itself he developed compassion and imbibed the value of serving community. He is engaged in various development activities during his free time and devotes his professional time to Page Industries Limited, Bangalore as Sr. GM and Head – HR and Administration.