The life of Dr. B. Mallikarjun Rao, Chairman of Johnson Grammar School (JGS), is that of inspiration from family and pursuing the lessons learnt from parents. Carrying forward the legacy of his father, the late Sri S.R.N. Mudiraj — the founding Chairman of the Johnson Group of Schools — Dr. Rao has spent over 35 years dedicated to transforming lives through education.
Under his visionary leadership, JGS was established in 2009 at L.B. Nagar and later expanded to Kuntloor, becoming a benchmark for excellence in education. Today, Johnson Grammar School empowers over 5,000 students and is supported by a committed team of 550 educators and staff.
A scholar with a Ph.D. in Educational Management, Dr. Rao has travelled to more than 50 countries, bringing global insights and innovative practices into the Indian education system. His leadership ensures that Johnson is not only a hub for academic excellence but also a nurturing space for life skills, co-curricular achievements, and student well-being.
His outstanding contributions have earned him numerous prestigious accolades, including the Bharath Shiksha Ratan Award, Inspirational Leadership Award, Best Holistic Education Award, Excellence in Co-Curricular Activities Award, and the Asia Pacific International Educational Excellence Award, among others.
Thanks to Dr. Rao’s unwavering commitment to holistic development, Johnson Grammar School – L.B. Nagar and Kuntloor – stands tall as one of the top-ranked and most respected institutions in Telangana and beyond.
1. Tell us about your early life and the experiences that shaped your outlook on Education?
Education is woven into my family’s fabric. My father, the late Sri S. R. N. Mudiraj, began as a government-school teacher and went on to build the Sumitra upper primary school in 1964 and first Johnson Grammar School in 1979. Watching him insist on values, discipline and lifelong learning taught me that a school must shape a child’s mind and character, not merely exam scores.
I carried that lesson through my own journey: an MBA in Finance & Business Administration, a doctorate in Educational Management, and 30 years+ of hands-on school administration.
Every role reaffirmed two truths:
- Holistic Growth—Academics, Arts, Sports, Values and Ethics—creates confident citizens.
- Happy teachers and parents are the bedrock of happy students.
Those convictions guide every decision I take at Johnson Grammar School today.”
In 2009, Johnson Grammar School, L. B. Nagar started with 350 students and 35 staff.
State-of-the-art campus at Kuntloor and inaugurated it in 2018
Today, the student strength is over 5000 and the staff is 550
AIM: Every Johnsonite must be a happy learner equipped with Gen-Z skills and timeless values
2. “What inspired you to start a school of your own?”
My father’s dream of ‘Quality Education for All’ still had untapped demand till 2009 in Hyderabad’s eastern corridor. Parents travelled long distances just to secure a Johnson seat. This propelled me to establish a school.
3. How did the idea move from vision to reality?”
“In 2009 we opened Johnson Grammar School, L. B. Nagar with the motto ‘Aim High.’ We began with 350 students and 35 staff members —and a clear promise: value-based, technology-enabled, opportunity-rich schooling.
Word of mouth—and our students’ achievements at national level in academics, sports and the arts—drove enrolment beyond 5,000. To provide for students of senior classes, we researched global best practices, designed an eco-friendly, state-of-the-art campus at Kuntloor and inaugurated it in 2018.
Today we stand at 5,000+ students, 550 staff, and accolades such as “Best School with Holistic Education”, “Inspirational Leadership” , Asian Summit @Bangkok and “Asia-Pacific Educational Excellence.”
Yet the core remains simple: every Johnsonite must be a happy learner equipped with Gen-Z skills and timeless values. That mission—born from my father’s ideals and a young girl’s unrealised dreams—still drives us forward, one child at a time.”
4. How do you engage with parents and the wider community at Johnson Grammar School?
I always believed that a school’s true strength lies in its ability to partner with families and the community. At Johnson, we see parents not as passive participants, but as active collaborators in every child’s journey. We maintain a culture of transparent and meaningful communication. Regular parent-teacher meetings, orientation sessions, and open houses help us connect deeply with families — not just to review academics, but to better understand each child’s learning needs and aspirations.
Our Learning Management System (LMS) plays a vital role in keeping parents informed and involved. From lesson plans to assessments, feedback to co-curricular updates — everything is made easily accessible.
We also open our doors to shared experiences. Parents are invited to join school events, speak at career guidance sessions, and participate in wellness workshops. Many of them bring real-world wisdom into our classrooms as guest speakers, inspiring students with insights into entrepreneurship, science, and civic responsibility.
As for the community, I always ensure our school builds meaningful connections. Our students participate in service projects, local outreach programs, and environmental initiatives — helping them grow into grounded, socially responsible individuals. To me, engagement starts with listening. At Johnson, we listen — to parents, to children, and to the world around us — so we can continue to grow while staying rooted in the values that define us.”
5. Who and what were the key influencers that guided you towards becoming an Educational Leader?
A Journey Rooted in Values, Shaped by Vision. My belief in the power of education was not formed overnight. It was instilled in me by my father, Late Sri S.R.N. Mudiraj, the visionary founder of the Johnson Group of Schools. A teacher by profession and a nation-builder by passion, he believed education should be accessible, value-based, and lifelong. My brother Dr. B. Chandra Shekar Rao, Chairman, Johnson Grammar School, Habsiguda – Mallapur has had a profound impact on me. Watching them build schools from scratch and dedicated years to shaping young minds left a lasting impression on me—not just as a son, brother but as a student of life.
After completing my MBA and doctoral degrees in educational management, I had the opportunity to engage deeply with school leadership.
But I always carried one thought with me: How can we reach more students without losing the heart of what makes a school meaningful.
6. How do you see the role of technology in shaping the future of schools?
Technology is no longer just a tool — it’s becoming a powerful part of how we learn and grow. Technology is a tool to enhance learning and must serve the learner and not distract them. When guided by vision and values, technology can helps schools evolve into spaces that are inclusive, innovative and future ready. With support of technology, we can build an environment where learning is not only fun, but also tailored to each student’s pace and potential. These aren’t just ‘extras’ — they help students think creatively, solve problems, and understand the technology driven world they’re growing up in.
All said and done, a balance must be maintained. Technology should support learning, not replace values. Alongside innovation, we must continue to nurture discipline, empathy, ethics, and critical thinking — No matter how advanced the tools, it’s the human touch that shapes true education.
7. What practices help you maintain Work Life Balance and stay motivated?
For me, work–life balance is not about strict separation — it’s about mindful integration. I believe when your work is driven by passion and purpose, it energizes you rather than exhausts you. I stay motivated by reminding myself why I started — to make education meaningful and empowering for every child. That purpose keeps me grounded.
Discipline is the foundation of a balanced life. I follow a strict early to bed, early to rise schedule. Fitness is Non-Negotiable – I begin each day with physical activity paired with conscious healthy eating. This lifestyle fuels long term clarity and focus. As for balance, I make time for reflection, reading and quiet moments with family. I believe that discipline, clarity of thought, and the ability to delegate are key points.
I also draw motivation from our students — their energy, curiosity, and resilience constantly reminds me that we are shaping something greater than ourselves. That thought is both humbling and inspiring.”
