Mr. C.S.Raghavan
(Head - India Knowledge Center, Dubai)

A Graduate in Commerce (B.Com) and a Post Graduate in Foreign Trade (Import-Export Trade) PGDFT from Madras University, Mr C S Raghavan currently heads the India Knowledge Centre (IKC) at Dubai (U.A.E.) as its Centre Director at the Dubai Knowledge Village – www.kv.ae

Prior to this assignment, Mr Raghavan has worked with the Indian Business Council (IBC) for 5 years as its Secretary General. During his tenure with IBC, Mr Raghavan has positioned IBC in Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah in the U.A.E. and also helped the Indian community in the GCC Countries such as Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait to make similar efforts and start Business Councils and thereby create a network of Indian Businessmen & Professionals in the Gulf.

Before joining the IBC, Mr Raghavan has worked with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) – the premier apex industry association in India – www.cii.in as Deputy Director and was involved in promoting ‘Government – Industry Partnerships” and helped Indian industry in its growth and competitiveness through regular interactions, seminars, conferences and workshops on Total Quality Management (TQM), Exports, Environment, Manufacturing, Shop-Floor Improvement, etc.

During his tenure with CII from 1989-1998, Mr Raghavan headed the Confederation’s Zonal Office in Mysore (Karnataka State); State Office in Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh); Pondicherry and also the Sub-Regional Office at New Delhi coming under the Northern Region of CII. Mr Raghavan has also worked with CII in Madras and Chandigarh – the Regional Headquarters for CII Southern and Northern Regional respectively.

Mr Raghavan was also involved in a major way in conceptualizing and execution of focused trade shows in India – AgroTech; Investour (tourism); Finanstreet; Alternatives : Education & Careers, etc.

Mr Raghavan had actively interacted with the Government, Industry, Educational Institutions, Media and the Diplomatic Community during his period of service with CII.

He has also been on CII Delegations/Missions as its Mission Manager to various countries – Bangkok (Thailand); Indonesia & Surabaya, Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh & Hanoi and Mauritius.

Mr. Raghavan is currently….

• The Vice-President of the Indian Association Dubai (IAD), a 50-year old Social & Cultural organisation dedicated to the cause of Indian community living and working in Dubai;
• Member on the Board of Trustees of The Indian High School (IHS), Dubai – www.indianhighschooldubai.org as a nominee representing the Indian Association Dubai.
• “Invitee” Charter Member of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Dubai Chapter – www.tie.org …a global organization dedicated to the cause of promoting and nurturing Entrepreneurship across many countries and many cities.

Aged 45, Mr Raghavan has to his credit a total of 25 years experience out of which 20 years involves institutional experience and 5 years of practical industry experience and has, thus, dedicated himself to the cause of Indian institutions in India and abroad.

He is married with 2 daughters – Ramya (12) & Sowmya (8).