Hon. Chitra Narayanan
Former Ambassador of India with a multi faceted global perspective and familiarity with international high level decision making. A firm believer that innovation and creativity is the lifeblood of progress.
Currently an Independent Strategic Advisor for Think Tanks and businesses on a broad spectrum of issues including cultural sensitivities, challenges facing professional women, creativity in strategic planning, training, corporate gender and diversity issues.
Professional speaker and advisor on current issues including women and leadership, how cultural insensitivity can influence business decisions, and diversity in the workplace.
Served on the Advisory Board of Global Female Leaders. Currently on the Advisory Board of the Luxury Venture Group (LVG) Geneva, and an Associate Fellow of the Geneva Centre of Security Policy (GCSP). Patron of the Swiss India Chamber of Commerce. Areas of specialization are Southeast Asia, China, Turkey and Europe.
Served as Ambassador of India to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Turkey, Sweden and Latvia.
Ambassador to the Holy See from 2009 to 2013.
Early education began in London, Canberra and New Delhi. Home schooled in Hanoi during her father’s posting to then North Vietnam. Finished school in the Convent of Jesus and Mary boarding school in the Himalayas. Post graduated from Delhi University with a Master’s degree in Political Science.
Began work experience; as a journalist with the Press Institute of India, Founder Editor of The Book Review, the first English language publication in India devoted to the review of books.
A career diplomat of the Indian Foreign Service since 1978 and was posted to embassies in Rome, Nairobi, Washington DC. As Deputy Director of the Foreign Service Training Institute, Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, designed and executed the training program of Indian Foreign Service officers and foreign diplomats. Served as Ambassador of India for 14 years to six countries.
Passionate about the relevance of Peace and progress and bringing about the best in humankind. Tolerance as the key to achieving these goals.
The unusual family background of an Indian father and Burmese mother in diplomatic and public life, provided an extensive international exposure from an early age. She is the eldest daughter of President K.R.Narayanan ( President of the Republic of India 1997-2002) and Usha Narayanan.
Was brought up to believe in gender equality and that the human spirit can strive to overcome many obstacles.
That there is always a solution.