Dr. Rajan Natarajan was born in Pudukottai in Tamilnadu and was educated in US. He holds a Ph.D. and two Masters Degrees (M.Sc. and M.Phil) in Bioscience from the University of Madras. He also hold an MBA from Michigan State University, a US patent, and the publication of 30 articles. He currently resided with his family consisting his wife and two sons in Montogomery County, maryland, USA.
Dr.Rajan Natarajan was appointed as Deputy Secretary of State for Policy and External affairs, the highest administrative office held by an Indian American in Maryland’s history, by Governor Martin O’Malley in June 2011. Dr. Natarajan is also currently serving as a Member of the Governor’s International Advisory Council. He was the principle architect of the Governor’s trade mission to India in planning, and executing action plans and arranging high level ministerial, diplomatic and business meeting in India.
His current portfolios include representing the Governor and Secretary of State at designated public, business and community events, advising the Secretary on external affairs, fostering and promoting international diplomatic relationships, building community and industry partnerships, advancing international Sister-State programs, coordinating legislative and executive branches of government, and overseeing the Maryland International Consortium.
Prior to this position, he was a founder of a Health Care Technology firm and served for more than 12 years as senior Vice President of three IT and biotech companies. An entrepreneur, Dr.Natarajan served on the transition teams of both Governor O’Malley and Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett. He also served as the President of Maryland-India Business Roundtable and Executive Board of Director of Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce and the US-India Chamber of Commerce. he has received honors including the National Science Foundation’s Small-Business Innovation Research award, the Indian Young Scientist Merit Award and the Outstanding Community Leadership award.
Dr.Natarajan who has come to Chennai on an official visit met the press. He while speaking to the press, said that he had come on a visit to maintain a close relationship with governments of India and US on improvement of education and business. On a question to him about his view on the small scale industries in India, he said that India was developing in Industrial sectors and Indians were intelligent. He also commented that Indians doing business in USA are successful and talented. He also said that he has plans to meet the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Ms.Jayalalitha to discuss on starting projects in Tamil Nadu by Ministry of Maryland and Tamil Nadu.