Draft:Jose Charles Martin

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Jose Charles Martin
Born (1988-04-27) 27 April 1988 (age 37)
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
OccupationBusinessman
TitleChairman, Charles Group
Websitecharlesgroup.in

Jose Charles Martin is an Indian entrepreneur and business executive, best known as the Managing Director of the Martin Group of Companies and Chairman and Managing director of Charles group of Companies. Jose Charles is the eldest son of Santiago Martin, famously known as India's "Lottery King." Jose Charles Martin oversees a wide range of business operations spanning lottery, media, real estate, hospitality, textiles, sports, and transportation sectors.

Early life and Education

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Jose Charles Martin was born into a prominent business family. His father, Santiago Martin, is the founder and chairman of the Martin Group of Companies, and his mother, Dr. Leema Rose Martin, serves as a Director within the Group and as Joint Managing Trustee of the Martin Charitable Trust. He has two siblings, Daisy Martin and Daison Martin.

Jose Charles Martin received his early education at Good Shepherd International School in Ooty, Tamil Nadu. He later pursued higher studies in Europe, completing his Master's degree in Business Administration from institutions in Italy and London.

Early Career

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Jose Charles Martin began his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 19, taking charge as Managing Director of SS Music, a popular South Indian music television channel. Under his leadership, the channel transitioned from traditional satellite broadcasting to a modern digital platform, keeping pace with changing media consumption trends.

Business Ventures

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In addition to SS Music, Jose Charles Martin holds key leadership roles across a broad spectrum of industries. He serves as a director in multiple companies under the Martin Group .

In the lottery sector, Jose Charles Martin oversees operations in Maharashtra and Goa under the "Dear Government Lottery" brand, maintaining the Group’s legacy as a leading lottery operator in India.

Jose Charles Martin also ventured into the transportation sector by pioneering South Star Rail, the first private sector service provider under the Ministry of Railways’ Bharat Gaurav scheme. The initiative, launched in partnership with Indian Railways, aims to boost domestic tourism through private-operated theme-based trains.

Sports

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An avid sports enthusiast, Jose Charles Martin has actively participated in athletic activities such as air rifle shooting, track racing, and football. Extending his passion into sports business, he owns the Tamil Nadu Dragons, a franchise in the Hockey India League (HIL), launched in 2024. The league aims to revive and promote the sport of hockey across India.

Space Initiatives

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Under Jose Charles Martin’s leadership, the Charles Group made significant contributions to India’s private space initiatives.

In 2021, they successfully launched 100 Femto satellites using a high-altitude balloon.In 2023, they launched India's first hybrid-sounding rocket, carrying 150 Pico satellite research cubes.In 2023, in collaboration with Space Zone[1] India and the Abdul Kalam International Foundation, Charles Group supported the AKSSLV student-led program, receiving mentorship from Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai (former Director at ISRO Satellite Centre).In 2024, they oversaw India's first reusable hybrid rocket launch, RHUMI-1, marking a major milestone in affordable and sustainable space exploration.These projects, involving tens of thousands of students from technical education institutes across India, received commendation from the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

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As part of the Charles Group’s CSR initiatives, Jose Charles Martin has directed several community-focused projects. In Tiruvannamalai, the group installed Automatic Number-Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at five key locations at a cost of ₹11.50 lakh, aimed at enhancing traffic management and public safety.

Philanthropy

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Jose Charles Martin is deeply committed to social development initiatives. Through the Martin Foundation, he has spearheaded efforts to alleviate poverty, promote education, and support minority communities across India. He has also partnered with World Vision India to sponsor the education and welfare of underprivileged children.

Awards and Recognition

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Jose Charles Martin’s contributions to business, tourism, and entrepreneurship have earned him multiple accolades, including:

Prestigious Young Achiever Award (2014)

Silicon India Awards Times Award 40 under 40 (2021)

The Times Group Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year (2022)

Indo Arab Leaders Summit & Award Best Domestic Tour Operator (2024)

India Travel Awards Times of India Trendsetters Award (2024)

The Economic Times Achievers Award Tamil Nadu

Emerging Entrepreneur (2025)

Honoured with ‘Guardian of Angels Award’ at UK Parliament[2] (2025)

IKON of Tamil Nadu Award (2025)

SDG-Impact award -5th International youth forum-UN-Bangkok[3] (2025)

Political Career

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His political and social engagement reflects a sustained interest in public affairs and national development. Over the years, he has actively participated in various social initiatives, particularly during times of natural disasters. During the Fengal cyclone, he contributed ₹5 crore towards relief and rehabilitation efforts.

In 2025, he established the JCM Makkal Mandram, a public welfare organization aimed at addressing grassroots issues and promoting community development. Through this platform, he has launched several initiatives, including the Hunger-Free Puducherry program, which provides free food distribution across the Kamarajar Nagar, Bahour, and Mudhaliarpet constituencies.

In addition to these welfare efforts, he has also undertaken environmental and cultural initiatives such as the excavation and cleaning of temple ponds, aimed at promoting water conservation and preserving heritage sites.

Startups and Future Ventures

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The group is also actively supporting and incubating a number of promising startups, such as:

E-bike Projects: Focused on green urban mobility solutions.

SACDEEIL Aerospace Pvt. Ltd.: Developing electric eVTOL air taxis and fixed-wing aircraft to transform the future of flight.

Graciss Sanitary Napkins (by Sharas Venture LLP): Offering eco-friendly,plant-based sanitary solutions to promote menstrual hygiene and women's health.

Planned projects include:

MIW (Miracle in Water): An eco-friendly water purification and treatment solution using advanced biocatalytic technology.

Green Gym Project: Aimed at sustainable health and fitness infrastructure.

Diversified Trading Initiatives: Designed to expand the group’s global business footprint.

References

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  1. ^ "Chennai start-up may soon offer commercial rocket launch services".
  2. ^ "Jose Charles Martin Honoured with 'Guardian of Angels Award' at UK Parliament".
  3. ^ "Mr. Jose Charles Martin Honoured at UNITED NATIONS with SDG Impact Award".
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