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(Photo: Xitij Joshi) 8 Dec 31-Jan 14, 2017 INTERVIEW

Shalabh Kumar Bridge between US & India

I first heard of Shalabh Kumar in 2011 when the businessman’s son’s mega wedding in New Zealand to a beauty queen – baraat coming in helicopters and all that -- hit global headlines. Then in 2013, controversially, he took a Congressional del- egation to India to meet Narendra Modi, when the Chief Minister was not even allowed to enter USA. That contributed to Modi getting propelled into leading BJP in the 2014 election and becoming Prime Minister. Last year, Shalabh ‘Shalli’ Kumar surprised again by cutting a million dollar check for Donald Trump’s campaign, and getting him to grace an event organized by Kumar’s Republican Hindu Coalition in New Jersey. Now on the Trump’s transition and finance team, Kumar is expected to play a key role in enhancing trade and other ties between India and America. Recently, on a visit to New York, Kumar was told that we selected him as our Person of the Year 2016. Ensconced in a hotel in Upper West Side, he gave a relaxed interview to The South Asian Times, dwelled into his political journey and his plans following Trump’s stunning win. Extracts from the interview:

They started giving us reading mate- By Parveen Chopra rial – like books to differentiate between Keynesian Theory of economics versus Milton Friedman’s supply-side economics. I The South Asian Times: How did also met Arthur Laffer, the principal econo- you get into American politics? mist behind Reaganomics. He is the author of the famous Laffer curve he had drawn Shalabh Kumar: Policy and politics is in on a napkin. Having gone through many my blood. (Inspired by his mother, a stickler recessions, this theory impressed me. Go- for probity, he had led anti-corruption cam- ing with supply side economics rather than paigns during his student years in India) Keynesian, where the government manipu- After I migrated to the US, the first presi- lates the demand, if you don’t manipulate dential election came in 1972 and we natu- the demand, and you only control the sup- rally associate ourselves as minorities with ply of money, then you won’t have a reces- the Democratic party. So, I found myself in sion. Indeed no recession followed thanks 1972 in the cold winter of Chicago carry- to Reaganomics. Supply-side works! ing a huge sign for George McGovern in a Growth, and more growth – it was a crowd. Then in ‘76 I supported Jimmy Cart- beautiful period in American economy. So, er, who sounded like an honest farmer, a Reagan asked me to join his small business simple guy compared to what had gone on advisory council, a small, informal group. I with the Watergate scandal. served on that in the mid-80’s. Then I sort In ’79 I ended up attending a dinner of got out of politics and concentrated on hosted by Illinois manufacturers associa- more inventions and more business and cor- tion where Ronald Reagan was making a porate acquisitions and so forth until 2010. pitch for his presidential run. Looking at my persistent raised hand he said, ‘will get So how did you return back to you later’. Me and my wife were to politics in 2010? ready to leave when a bunch of secret ser- vice type of guys escorted me to Governor SK: In 2010, I got a call from Nikki Hal- Reagan’s table, where he was sitting with ey’s father. I had not known about her. Jack Kemp and some Congressmen. All along I had remained in contact with Candidate Reagan says, “I know you have Speaker Newt Gingrich - Indian American some questions but I would like to ask you community loved him in the 1980’s. So why your people here, , are Nikki Haley’s father asked me to help her, a Democrats?” Thinking nano fast, I said, “Rea- candidate for governor in South Carolina, a son No. 1, we love (John F.) Kennedy.” He was Republican and Conservative. After a long the most popular face when I was growing conversation with her, I decided to support up, more popular than Dev Anand or Dilip her. Kumar family gave her a lot of money Kumar. Kennedy was inspirational and we are and also we swung for her and she won. able to go to the moon because of him. And In 2010 itself most of my American col- he was a Democrat. “Anything else?” Reagan leagues found Nikki Haley to a be a very asked. I replied, “We are minority so we have bright girl with great future potential as a to be Democrats.” I also told him that I was an conservative leader. electronics engineer, had a small business. “How many hours a week do you work?” Prior to that you never supported “100 hours a week.” “Oh really,” Reagan re- a candidate through funds, etc. posted, “How would you like to have the gov- No million dollar donations ernment take away 60% of what you make.” as you made for Trump? I said really 60%, no. “See you are a republi- can, you are not a Democrat,” he concluded. SK: In Reagan time it was different. My tal- Then Reagan asked me about the contro- ents were used to give speeches to Ameri- versy that in New York City, because of wel- can audiences. Jack Kemp and Reagan both fare schemes if you stayed home, you will were interested in reaching out to this make more money than going to college and growing Indian American community, also becoming an engineer. I agreed that it was to show that the party is inclusive. So, I was unfair. Then Regan turned to Don Cotten, the face of that effort. Nkki Haley won in his Midwest Campaign Manager at the time, 2010 and on the personal side, we have the and proclaimed, “You got your first Indian wedding of the decade. American Republican, organize them.” So we organized Indian American Illinois Big Fat Indian Wedding. In Republican Wing and got actively involved New Zealand because the bride, in the Reagan campaign. Jack Kemp was a Miss India and Miss Earth, was a phenomenal economist, besides being a living there. Was it arranged football player. marriage or love marriage?

(Photo: Xitij Joshi) 13,

SK: Watch for a movie on that. I traveled 40,000 miles in one week when Vikram, my son, and Pooja (Chitgopekar) saw each other for the first time. I had started to develop relationships with Indian leader‑ ship at that time. The then BJP president Nitin Gadkari sent current law minister Sadanand Gowda to attend Vikramʼs wed‑ ding. tion and thatʼs why he is so Republican Muslim Coalition? So why not a leaders of the Hindu American community, Ok, we know you got fascinated by successful.” Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC). By the particularly the business community, both Narendra Modi . But first, how did you 70% of Indian Americans are Democrats and way, Newt Gingrich is co‑chair of RHC even from US and India, to President Trump on choose to back Donald Trump ‑ he was so must have voted for Hillary Clinton. though he is a Christian. Hinduism is not January 19 at a very exclusive candle‑light controversial even the Republican leaders even a religion, itʼs a way of life and there dinner. did not come on board with him. SK: Not now, in the past they were are not only Hindu Americans from India, Democrats. Zee News conducted a scientific there are so many Hindu Americans from Which VIPs you have SK: He was controversial only in the sense poll after the election which showed that other parts of the world who do not identi‑ invited from India? that he wanted to shake up Washington. 64.9% of Hindu Americans voted for trump. fy themselves as Indians, Caribbeanʼs, etc. That it was about time somebody other To me, all Vedic religions have Hindu way SK: We are not going to name them right than a traditional politician fought the Oh, OK. So this is one criticism of you in the of life. Also, I always talk about Hindu now. Swami Ramdev and Sri Sri Ravi establishment, shook up Washington. Indian press, why are you speaking for Americans and also Indian Americans. Shankar are quite eager to attend. Speaker Paul Ryan, a good friend of mine, Hindu Americans only, why not speak for all made this statement on Nov 9th, “Hats off Indian Americans? RHC is organizing some events in Anybody from the to President elect Donald Trump who has Washington for the Trump inauguration, Indian government? turned politics on its head. There was a SK: This particular question dumbfounds me right? voice of pain all across the United States and American politicians. Does anyone ask SK: If it was not for American protocol, that we, even in the Republican party, failed why there is a Republican Jewish Coalition, SK: Well, we are organizing lots of events, Prime Minister Modi would love to come. to hear and he had the genius to pay atten‑ a Republican Christian Coalition, a one particular event is to introduce senior But no heads of state at the inauguration.

Republican nominee for President, Donald Trump lighting the traditional diya at New Jersey event organized by Shalabh Kumarʼs Republican Hindu Coalition. Trump said he loved India and Hindus. Kumar is accompanied by his son Vikram and daughter Manasvi. 13,

immigration bill S744 that would have hurt many Indian American companies, US com‑ panies and Indiaʼs economy to the tune of $30 billion in foreign exchange per year. With Trump, you will have a true friendship and true policy, right policy, great for US and great for India. Trade between US and India will grow from $100 billion a year to at least $300 billion a year by the end of the first Trump term. That will create huge number of jobs ‑‑ at least a million new jobs in the United States and also a vastly bigger number, 9 million, new jobs in India.

Indian Americans are concerned that the H1B visa under Trump will get truncated.

SK: All H1B visa holders and L1 visa holders need not be concerned about any change in the current policy on immigration, if any‑ thing it will be a positive change. There are Any date being worked out for when PM 1.5 million Indians in the US who are on H1 Modi will meet President Trump? visa, whose green card has been approved but they have to wait as long as 50 years to SK: Thatʼs a little too early to say. But most get a green card. And that is going to likely there would be a visit, either Trump change, that will be music to their ears pret‑ to India or Modi to the US in the first year. ty soon.

Modi developed a good personal chemistry Because, you are saying that the people who with President Obama… are legally here, they will get precedence in path to citizenship. SK: See that chemistry is more of an optical illusion. PM Modi knows very well as does SK: Not only that. Trump is a businessman. Obama, that the policies getting pursued by I work closely with the senior people in President Obama were not so friendly for Trump administration who have taken a India. For example, Obamaʼs decision, deep interest in Hindu American communi‑ which got blocked with the help of RHC in ty and Indian American community and US Congress, was a gift of 8 nuclear capa‑ India starting from Steve Bannon, Reince ble F‑16ʼs to . Priebus. Steven Mnuchin, treasury secretary So policy is different from optical impres‑ nominee, who was designated by the Trump sions. Obama was also pushing for an team to be the interface between the inner

circle of the Trump team and the Hindu my, create jobs in the US. I am a business‑ American community. During the cam‑ man, a manufacturing guy, so that is my paign, myself and Mnuchin communicated first priority. Second is to cut the spending, at least 50 times. be a smart spender, which, fortunately, President Trump already is. He said in a Right now you are on the transition and Tweet, cancel that $4 billion order for Air finance team. What do you look for in the Force One. Trump administration, what role?

SK: I am looking forward to have qualified Hindu American and Indian Americans in the Trump administration, qualified people, and we have tons of them. I will admit that our expertise is not that great in matching the needs to the profiles, even though the head of transition, Vice President elect Mike Pence, has given me a special contact to get the people matched to the positions. But you know, a lot of our people want only part‑time position, not full‑time posi‑ tion and a lot positions are full time posi‑ tions.

So you will be a kind of godfather, a politi‑ cal godfather, you will not take a position yourself.

SK: That remains to be seen. I have been a private citizen all my life, but I would be willing to serve my country in any way President Trump sees fit, as long as I am making a significant contribution to make America great again.

And which is the way you want to?

SK: My first objective is to grow the econo‑

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SK: Yes, and I will tell you how RHC came into existence. I attended the Republican Jewish Coalition annual meeting in Las Vegas in April 2015. What I learned from there was momentous, it was phenomenal: 500 businessmen, Jewish American busi‑ nessmen, having so much power, so much control over policy matters affecting con‑ servative causes, as well as Jewish Americans and Israel. I said oh my God, we have the Hindu American community which is almost the same size, they are 5.5 million, we are 4.2 million. We have a higher per capita income than the Jewish American people. 67% have a Bachelorʼs degree, and one of the 10 is an entrepreneur. We pay 50 billion dollars a year in taxes and we have is to provide a single unified platform for pro‑Hindu, pro‑India policies, Republicans very little voice on the policy tables of where we have a respected Hindu voice in only. United States. the formulation and administration of poli‑ So an idea was born, which was immediately cies that affect Hindu Americans as well as You founded it, you are recognized and encouraged by Speaker India and Hindus everywhere in the world. the face of it,but who are other people Newt Gingrich, to have an equivalent organi‑ active in RHC? And the close relationship between zation to RJC. So this was how Republican So far you have supported Candidate, America and India, where do you see Hindu Coalition came into being. And by the Trump. What will RHC do from now on? SK: There are quite a few people, there is yourself fitting in? way, RJC helped us in every which way. Zee TVʼs CEO, Sameer Targe; there is an They helped to connect us with the right SK: As it is legally permitted, and there are investment guru and investment banker, we SK: Well, whatever I am asked by President people, their 25 years of political capital restrictions. However RHC members will call him K.P., Krishna Prasad; we have Brij Trump, I will be happy to do that. I am in a developed in the Senate and the House and be supporting conservative candidates who Sharma, CEO of Power Volt, and of course rather unique situation where most of the everywhere, theyʼve leveraged that to respect, who admire, who are with the my son Vikram Aditya and daughter senior cabinet, 80% of Modiʼs and 80% of launch the Republican Hindu Coalition. RHC Hindu American community and who have Manasvi and my daughter‑in‑law Pooja. the incoming Trump team, are friends with me so I find myself in a unique position to be a good bridge between the two, maybe a go‑to guy.

So, do you see yourself as more of Americaʼs ambassador to India?

SK: My first priority as I am a US citizen is to serve the interest of America and of Trump, to make America great again and fortunately in that process we could also make India great again, take it to the times of Samudragupta when India was the biggest economy in the world.

Sone ki chidiya! You also supported two candidates for US Congress. Indian American candidates.

SK: We fielded two candidates, one was Manju Goel in District 8 in Illinois, in the 2014 election, and in California, Vanila Singh. This year I did not get involved in any.

But you will only support Republican candidates.

SK: Obviously, obviously. If there are any people from the Democrat side like Raja Krishnamoorthi, Iʼve offered him many times, that only if I could convert him to Republican or an Independent I will sup‑ port him. Heʼs won in Illinois, but Raja, watch out! I wasnʼt paying attention this time, I was busy in presidential election, so watch out and watch your votes.

So is it NIAPPI (National Indian American Public Policy Institute) that you are pro‑ moting, trying to develop Indian American candidates?

SK: No, NIAPPI is only a public policy insti‑ tute. It cannot engage in any political work. But the Republican Hindu Coalition can engage in political activity.

Technically RHC was formed only a year or so ago.

14 Dec 31-Jan 13, 2017 PROFILE TheSouthAsianTimes.info SHALABH KUMAR Official Biography

halabh ʻShalliʼ Kumar is an industrialist Ramesh Patel, Chairman of FIA, were quite and a philanthropist based out of active in preventing S 744 bill passed by US S Chicago. He is also a conservative com‑ Senate to be taken up by the House. The S mentator, community activist and a political 744 Bill was perceived to affect the econo‑ donor. my of both India and US by putting uncalled Kumar was born in Ambala in India. He for restrictions on Indian IT professionals spent his early years in Nahan with his ma‑ working on temporary work visas in the US. ternal grandparents before moving back S 744 was opposed by US Chamber of Com‑ with his parents ‑ his father was in govern‑ merce. ment service so the family had to move a Kumar and Newt Gingrich, former Speaker few times before settling in Chandigarh. His of the House, have closely worked together mother, Satyavati, was a freedom fighter in the early eighties and from 2011 on‑ during Indiaʼs independence struggle in the wards, Kumar ran the Gingrich Presidential 1940ʼs. A staunch Arya Samaji and Gandhi‑ Campaign in Scott County Iowa in 2012. An ardent admirer of revolutionariesʼ role in Indiaʼs freedom an, she was dead set against corruption, Inspired by Republican Jewish Committee, struggle, Shalabh Kumar organized an exhibition of their rare even among her own family members. Ku‑ currently Mr. Kumar is engaged in the for‑ photographs during his time at Illinois Institute of Technology. mar too became an activist and a leader mation of Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC) against corruption during his student years. with Speaker Gingrich as Honorary Chair‑ He graduated from Panjab University in man and with the blessing and support of 1965 and earned a BS in electronics engi‑ the leadership and membership of US Con‑ neering in 1969 from Punjab Engineering gress as well as RNC. Congressman Ed College, Chandigarh. Moving to America, Ku‑ Royce, Chairman of the Foreign Relations mar earned his masterʼs from the Illinois In‑ Committee, Congressman , stitute of Technology. There he got recogni‑ Chairman of Rules Committee, and Con‑ tion for organizing the first exhibition of gressman George Holding, Co‑Chair of India rare photographs of Indian freedom fighters Caucus are leading the effort. such as Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh Shalabh Kumar, known as Shalli Kumar is and Chandrashekhar Azad. US, has become a household name among Kumar's son, Vikram Aditya, married Eng‑ Hindu Americans, Indian Americans and In‑ land born 2007 Miss India Pooja Chit‑ dians back home. He innovated and execut‑ Ever the innovator and flamboyant man, Shalabh Kumar had the baraat for his son gopekar. Her wedding that was featured as Vikramʼs wedding to Miss India Pooja Chitgopekar in 2011 in New Zealand ed an incredible campaign for Donald Trump Big Fat Indian Wedding on NDTV India, took arrive in 9 helicopters flying in a formation. Continued on page 16 place in January of 2011 in New Zealand where she was living with her Indian immi‑ business advisory council during the early American and grant parents. Hailed as the biggest wedding eighties. Indian politi‑ How Shalli Kumar discovered in New Zealand history, it featured 9 heli‑ Right after Osama bin Laden was found cians, and has copters forming a grooms party also called a hiding in Pakistan, during 2011 and 2012, particularly Modi - accidentally “baraat”, and a musical extravaganza lasting Kumar became an active citizen lobbyist on close ties with three days featuring King of Pop, Daler Capitol Hill to support Texas Congressman Narendra Till about year 2011, Shal‑ about the Gujarat Chief Mehndi, RDB of Canada and UK, and Signa‑ Ted Poeʼs bill to cut off foreign aid to Pak‑ Modi, the Prime Min‑ abh Kumar had never heard Minister who was being hero ture from UK of Britain has Talent fame. istan and the Bill passed in August of 2012. ister of India. He of Narendra Modi. worshiped in faraway Ameri‑ Kumar is the Chairman and CEO of AVG Subsequently, he founded the National Indi‑ has described Around this time, he ca. He read up the Gu‑ Group of companies with headquarters in an American Public Policy Institute (NIAPPI), Modi as one of was trying to get jarat riots cases and Chicago and operations all over the world. a think tank focusing on issues relevant to his idols with Indian Ameri‑ was convinced the He has also served as president or CEO of Indian Americans. NIAPPI and Kumar had great future cans to sign a case against Modi Circuit International Incorporated, Microfast the foresight to take a high level Congres‑ for India and petition urg‑ was political. Controls Corporation, Electronic Support sional and Business delegation in March US‑India rela‑ ing the US to Modi was now a Systems, PEC Reliance, Lika Tandy Corpora‑ 2013 consisting of Cathy McMorris tionship. cut all aid to mission for him: tion, Mc Technologies, and Hi‑Tech Systems Rodgers, Chairwoman of House Republican Hindustan Pakistan in to rehabilitate Corporation. Kumar has also been employed Conference, Congressman Aaron Schock and Times de‑ the after‑ him with the US, with Nanofast Incorporated and National Congresswoman Cynthia Lummis, to visit scribed Ku‑ math of the which denied Controls Corporation before venturing on the then Chief Minister of Gujarat in India, mar as the killing of him a visa in his own. Mr. Narendra Modi and invite him to the US. Punjabi Ty‑ Osama bin 2005 for failing AVG was founded in 1975 and is into Mr. Modi won in a landslide in 2014 and be‑ coon, the Laden. But to stop riots in automation controls, semiconductors, came the Prime Minister of India. He was in biggest the response Gujarat that telecommunications, thick‑film hybrids, elec‑ diplomatic isolation by the US Administra‑ supporter was tepid. killed 790 Mus‑ tronic component manufacturing and distri‑ tion back in 2013. Indian TV media at that of Modi in “Then at a lims and 254 Hin‑ bution. time characterized this visit as a boost to US. And of meeting, a dus. He flew down Kumar is a community and political ac‑ propel Modi as the front runner for the post course after friend suggested to India in 2012 to tivist. He migrated to the US in 1969 and of PM of India. the 2016 'throw in Modi's personally meet Modi was a supporter of the Democratic party un‑ Working with Congressman Pete Sessions, Presidential name'," Kumar says. and had many conversa‑ til he met President Reagan and Jack Kemp Chairman of the Rules Committee of the US campaign and a He didn't know Modi. But tions with him. Taking a US in 1979 and since then has become a Congress, Kumar has sought to recruit Indi‑ six month close was curious to see how far that Congressional delegation to In‑ staunch Republican. Working along with an‑Americans Republicans to run for Con‑ and personal rela‑ would go. It worked, to his con‑ dia to meet Modi brought Ku‑ Don Totten, Reaganʼs mid‑west campaign gress. Sessions/Kumar project resulted in tionship with Presi‑ tinuing surprise. "People mar publicity. manager in 1980, he converted a significant two Indian Americans running as Republi‑ dent‑Elect Donald queued up to sign the Modi rose to number of Indian American community can candidates in 2014. Trump, his ultimate same petition now," Ku‑ become the members and formed the first Indian Ameri‑ Kumar chairs the Indian American Adviso‑ role model and idol is mar recalls. Curious Prime Minister can Republican organization in the country ry Council of the House Republican Confer‑ Donald, the Businessman. he wanted to and the rest is in 1983. He also served on a Reagan small ence. He has organized meetings between During 2014 Kumar and know more history. 16 Dec 31-Jan 13, 2017 FAMILY TheSouthAsianTimes.info Maa ho to aisi!

that it takes more guts to be non‑ violent than to be violent. He wrote to his mother upon seeing the movie and she was happy that he had finally changed. is mother, Satyavati, was a With time, her discipline started great, positive influence in to show off on him as in 8th grade, Hhis life. During the first 9 he was ranked 1st in the whole years of his life, he was an ok stu‑ Panjab university. He continued to dent in school, living with his ma‑ rank well in 10th and 11th grade. ternal grandfather. Then he moved He even ranked second in pre‑en‑ back along with his parents gineering in the university. As a around sixth grade. In the first six family tradition, his mother forced months he wanted to run away to him to take the Prabhakar exam, his other family because his moth‑ which is equivalent of Bachelors in er was too tough on him. Her disci‑ Hindi and Sanskrit. He really did pline was too much, but he had to not want to do it, but still ranked put up with it and pay attention to First in the university. Throughout his studies. his childhood his mother would Young Kumar was the rebel in teach him things in a scientific, ra‑ the family, always fighting with his tional way. She even encouraged mother. Her discipline meant get him to enter a declamation contest. up at 5 am, get ready and pray. He Endowed with a deep, strong voice, would constantly argue with her he ended up becoming state cham‑ over who freed India. His mother pion. He also excelled as an actor was a follower of Gandhi and was a in school dramas and statewide freedom fighter herself. In her contests. youth, she spent time in jail. He, on Wondered why Shalabh Kumar the other hand, was fascinated Shalabh Kumar (right) in a family photograph in front of an institute he started in his mother Satyavatiʼs name. carries no surname? Because fol‑ with Bhagat Singh. He fought and lowers of Arya Samaj – a purist insisted that Mahatma Gandhi was going as far as to say that he was a for non‑violence is that he was did not change until the movie Veda‑centered form of Hinduism – not the one who got India freedom, coward and the reason he stood afraid of taking the bullet. His view ʻGandhiʼ came out where he saw do not believe in caste system.

Shalabh Kumar Official Biography Second Miss India joins the family Continued from page 14 featuring the now famous “Ab Ki Bar halabh Kumar is proud to point Trump Sarkar” ad commercial. He put out the two Miss India in Hindus on the map. He got Trump to ad‑ Shis family. His son, Daughter Manasvi: dress 9,000 Hindu Americans just three Vikram Aditya Kumar Beauty with brains, weeks prior to the presidential election is of course married Miss India 2010 and say: “We love Hindus and we love In‑ to Pooja Chit‑ dia”. Trump speaking Hindi went viral, gopekar, Miss In‑ 1.2 billion people worldwide saw the ad, dia and Miss 90% of 4.2 million Hindu Americans saw Earth (Air). it, 60 million non‑Hindu American voters They were saw the ad, tens of millions of you‑tube, married in a FB, Twitter and Whatsapp impressions, lavish wedding got declared as the best among 20,000 in New Zealand odd political ads of 2016, and trended as in 2011. the 9th most important news stories in Now Shalabh Ku‑ the entire world. He engaged the entire marʼs adopted Trump family into the Trump Hindu Out‑ daughter, Manasvi is reach, even got Eric trump to wear tradi‑ Femina Miss India 2010, a tional Hindu garb and do a full aarti in a Supermodel and a Hindu temple. He addressed at least Actress. Under Shalabh Kumarʼs 100 small Hindu voter gatherings across influence, she is also politically the battleground states in America, and Shalabh Kumarʼs son, Vikram Aditya active, and often accompanies appeared on countless TV and audio in‑ and his wife, Pooja, Miss India 2007 him at meetings and events. terviews including mainstream media She was very visible during Shalabh Kumarʼs Republi‑ And then there is the US Presi‑ like FOX, CNBC, BBC, CNN, NDTV, Zee can Hindu Coalitionʼs outreach to Hindus for Trumpʼs dentʼs inauguration on January News. Result: OVER ONE MILLION NET candidacy. 20. Pops would probably want to VOTE GAIN AMONG HINDU VOTERS TO In a recent media interview in India, Manasvi de‑ have an RHC inauguration ball with VOTE FOR TRUMP AND THE REPUBLI‑ scribed his relationship with Shalabh Kumar thus: “I even more extravagant Bollywood CAN PARTY. Shalabh Kumar turned the address him as Pops. He is one of the smartest and show. I do want to continue my traditional Hindu American Democrat most inspirational persons Iʼve ever met. He is more career in Bollywood, but in a politics on its head. He states: “I cannot than my biological father. He is a visionary with great more serious role. Pops may imagine a single Hindu American voter foresight. It is his passion to empower Hindu Ameri‑ start a big Bollywood or to vote for Democrats once the curtain cans that captivated me. His love for US and India is Hollywood production of darkness is removed and they learn infectious. house. President of the the real truth about their policies and About her future plans, Manasvi said, “Last four United States wants to Republican policies.” months have changed my life. I will continue the Re‑ connect me to You can go to www.rhc‑usa.org to publican Hindu Coalition work. I have a scheduled Hollywood. learn more about the campaign and rele‑ meeting to visit with Donald Trump in a few weeks. We shall see!” vant policies. TheSouthAsianTimes.info NEW YEAR SPECIAL Dec 31-Jan 13, 2017 18 Dec 31-Jan 14, 2017 Hot Shot

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1. Daler Mehndi performed at Shalabh Kumar’s son Vikram Aditya’s marriage to Miss Earth Pooja Chitgopekar in 2011. 2. Shalabh Kumar felicitated Eric Trump’s visit to a Hindu temple in Orlando, FL in November. 3. Kumar and his daughter Manasvi, former Miss India, super model and Bollywood actor, with Sri Sri . 4. Shalabh Ku- mar along with RHC co-founder Speaker Newt Gingrich were single handedly responsible for PM Modi to be invited to address Joint Session of Congress. Seen here with daughter Manasvi as part of the Paul Ryan Welcome Committee for Modi. 5. Striking a Bollywood pose. 6. Kumar accompanied US Congressman from Illinois Peter Roskam and his wife 1 to India, where Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State – Commerce & Industry, gifted the couple copies of the Gita. 7. It is well known that Kumar loves music and dance, specially high energy Bhangra that fits his personality. Flamboyant Moves

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20 Dec 31-Jan 14, 2017 BUSINESS TYCOON

P R O U D O F Made in America Inventing, innovating and creating a business empire

and AVG was founded in 1975 and over the world specializing in high speed operations. Technology. He is now President and Vice years acquired many other companies. Lately Shalabh Kumar has withdrawn Chairman of the AVG conglomerate. The inventor, who holds more than 10 from AVG because of his political work and Shalabh Kumar is also proud that AVG’s US patents and many pending (he loves cir- his new mission to become a catalyst to manufacturing is 95% in the US. He is cuit and product design even today), Shal- grow trade between the US and India. The fond of saying, “The world is flat. We must abh Kumar turned a successful entrepre- reins of the company are now in the hands have the ability in the US to manufacture neur armed with innovation, foresight and of his son, Vikram Aditya Kumar, who has products here and sell it to India or China.” an ability to take calculated risks. And AVG studied electrical engineering at his father’s Something President-Elect Donald Trump grew into the current behemoth it is. Ac- favorite university, the Illinois Institute of will wholeheartedly approve of. cording to Bloomberg, AVG Advanced Tech- nologies, through its subsidiaries, designs and manufactures electronic products. It Shalabh Kumar, Chairman of AVG offers printed circuit boards, environmen- group, with his tal controls, relays and industrial controls, son, Vikram Aditya fluid meters and counting devices, and tele- Kumar, CEO. phone equipment. The company also pro- vides semiconductors, thick film hybrids, laser trimmed resistor networks, SMT, and through hole circuit assemblies. here were many turning points which In India, AVG has its headquarters in Ban- ultimately led Shalabh Kumar to grow galore, and has introduced Uticor Automa- This AVG group of companies to an tion Product line with its “Made for India” installed base of $2 billion in Fortune 500 American manufactured Tough Series to op- companies and global operations. The first erate at high temperatures and humidity. was the advanced electronic circuit design Shalabh Kumar is proud of some of his he created as a student at Punjab Engineer- inventions. At National Controls, he had ing College, Chandigarh, which later in designed the now world famous French America landed him his first job at a small Fry Computer for McDonalds and was also hi-tech company named Nanofast. credited for the first use of the very first Second, in 1970 in Chicago having earned microprocessor, Intel 4004, in an Automa- his master’s from the Illinois Institute of tion control device. In 1975, he invented the Technology, when depression had made first microprocessor based replacement for jobs scarce, he almost took up a draughts- a rotary cam limit switch used in the met- man’s job, except that as Shalabh Kumar al forming presses of General Motors. He recounted the episode to The South Asian named it Programmable Limit Switch (PLS), Times, his roommate (and later Brother-in which created a brand new industry. law, not co-related) named Manohar Lal AVG’s products are constantly featured on Sharma physically barred him from leaving the front covers of major US magazines such the apartment on the day he was to report as Control Engineering, Control Design, Au- for work. Third, after Nanofast he joined Na- tomation World, NED and IEN and even won tional Controls Corporation, where the own- the most coveted “Engineers’ Choice Award”, ers decided to reward him for his inventions the “Oscar” of Automation, for the Best HMI every other month and his hard work to (Human Machine Interfaces) of 2008. make him a partner. Two years later when Kumar has been recognized as one of the they retired they sold the company to him top electronic hardware designers in the

(from left) In 1998 Shalabh Kumar made it to Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year. One of the many US patents Shalabh Kumar has secured. In Bangalore, AVG’s India HQ, Kumar has built this palatial bungalow, and christened it Rana-Reagan Palace, inspired by Jaipur’s Rambagh Palace, for his guests. One of Shalabh Kumar’s numerous innovations and inventions. 22 Dec 31-Jan 14, 2017 COMMENTS

The election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a useful starting point for develop­ ing a Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC). PM Modi’s efforts to modernize the bureaucracy, Praise from emphasize economic growth and strengthen free enterprise are efforts we can applaud and learn from. America should have a clear commitment to increasing trade with Bharat politicians & (India). The world’s two largest democracies should be natural allies. RHC can play a unique and historic role working with both the current Republican Congress and the next Republican community president to strengthen ties with India. With the rise in Hindu Americans’ numbers and in­ fluence, there is a great opportunity to elect At AIF Washington DC gala honoring Shalabh Kumar, (from left) AIF Gala Chair Vimal Bahuguna, Congressman Pete Sessions, Shalabh’s more of these citizens to public office. Finally, daughter Anika, and Indian envoy in US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu. in confronting the violence of Islamic suprem­ acists around the world, there is a potential for cooperation among Hindus, Jews and Hon. Pete Sessions Christians in challenging the extremist ideol­ US Congress committee chairman ogy. For all of these reasons, I applaud and support your efforts to develop RHC and am The gentleman Shalli Kumar, who is being honored to serve as the Honorary Chairman. honored here tonight is a real hero on behalf of not just our coun­try but also of the contin­ Ramesh Patel ued relationship with our dear friends in India. Federation of India Your Honoree tonight whom I have worked Associations (FIA) Chairman with for years as he has worked relentlessly to make sure that others enjoy what he has, that In my 45 years of community service, I is freedom and economic opportunity. So thank have yet to find any other individual who you for allowing me to be here tonight to put a devotes so much time and energy to pro­ stamp of approval on a man who spends his life moting closer US-ties causes as much as working for others, to further the relationship he does. Shalabh Kumar promoted Naren­ between India and the United States of America. dra Modi in the American public and in the American Congress at a time when most At AIF event to honor Shalabh Kumar. Congressmen were against him because of the strong anti-Modi lobby in the US. America India Foundation I have first hand seen Shalli’s reach with the Republican leadership of US Congress. One Shalli Kumar is impossible to clone, a of the most powerful House committee chair­ Man who does not count his years, but man, Pete Sessions, spent the entire weekend makes his years count... Shalli is unique­ attending India Day Parade 2014 celebrations ly endowed to foresee transformational in New York along with Daler Mehndi. Shalli events and executes his vi­sion with inde­ has provided us access to nearly 10 chairmen fatigable energy and lots of flare. of US congress to promote Bharat causes.

At AIF event to honor Shalabh Kumar. In a letter to PM Modi in 2014. Ramesh Patel Newt Gingrich Newt Gingrich Former Speaker The new prime minister is trying to move in a different direction and realiz­ es the wisdom of a vibrant private sec­ Senator Mitch McConnell tor. Believe the Republican Party your Senate Majority Leader natural home and we welcome you. The Republican Party is the natu­ Shalli, appreciate what you are doing by ral home of people who are in fa­ pulling everyone together. There is a natu­ vor of growth and opportunity. The ral alliance between the Hindu community, Democrats are the party of big gov­ America and the Republican Party. After all ernment and debts and taxes and so many Hindus are active in business and overregulation,” McConnell told the professions. If you are looking for a good crowd. “So people who are drawn to definition of the difference between the2 the private sector will find a home parties - the Democratic party is a party with the Republican Party.” of the government and Republican party is Shalli, thank you so much for what the party of the private sector. We watch you are doing to bring all of you (In­ with great interest as India is putting aside dian Americans) to the Republican its socialist roots. Nehru was a great person Party. Believe me it is your natural but his tendency to lean towards the Soviet home and we welcome you, thank Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell complimenting Shalabh Kumar for launching Republican Hindu Coalition. Union, lingered with India for a long time. you so much. COMMENTS Dec 31-Jan 14, 2017 23 Commendation by community leaders The South Asian Times solicited comments on its choice of Mr Shalabh Kumar as its Person of the Year 2016 and his achievements and contributions.

We need to rebuild our crumbling infra- during the Trump administration. We need structure and stop bleeding jobs. To the win- to increase the current trade level between ner go the spoils and Shalli picked a winner! the two countries from $100 billion to a higher level and also work towards increas- ing the inflow of investments from USA into India. It’s a unique opportunity to strength our relationships and collaborations in IT Deepak Jain security, defense, terrorism, health and Founder chairman, NRI Federation infrastructure. The Modi government had reached out to Mr. Trump during the cam- Shalabh Kumar made outstanding contri- paign and thus is in a good position to pro- bution to the Trump ca mpaign when no oth- actively shape his policies towards India. er Indian associations were supporting him. Dr Bharat Barai He became the first and only person to invite Led the entity that staged the presidential nominee to address the Indi- PM Modi reception at MSG an community weeks before the election. We believe he’d act as a bridge between the In- Anand Ahuja, Esq It was a remarkable and unexpected vic- dian government and Trump administration. Co-founder, Indian Americans tory of Donald Trump in 2016 presidential for Trump 2016 election. He won by a razor thin margin of few thousand votes in crucial states of The man to mobilize Hindu American , and . There is community for Donald Trump’s presiden- no question in my mind that a swing in Hin- tial election, Mr. Shalabh Kumar exhibits du votes in those states contributed to this incredible boldness in his professional victory margin. Traditionally, a majority of and political life. A visionary par excel- Hindus in USA have voted Democratic but in lence, he is credited with often organizing this election, majority Hindus voted for Don- Dr Raj Bhayani meetings between American and Indian ald Trump for a variety of reasons, including ENT specialist, political activist politicians. In a sense, he is a true am- campaigning by some Hindu activists. bassador of these two democracies. In a To his credit, Shalli Kumar openly support- Heartiest Congratulations to Shalabh Ku- rally organized by Shalabh Kumar for Mr. ed Trump as a Hindu and campaigned accord- mar being chosen “The South Asian Times- Trump in New Jersey, the now President- ingly, when it has not been fashionable to do Person of the Year 2016. Ravi Batra Elect did not hesitate to acknowledge his that. For the first time in history of US presi- He is a dynamic community leader, and Eminent attorney admiration for Indians. dential election, Hindus were recognized, by founding Republican Hindu Coalition, During the Trump Presidency, India is which included visits to Hindu temples and Di- he has brought more than two million Hin- I congratulate Shalabh “Shalli” Kumar for expected to be not only a geopolitical ally wali celebrations by Trump family members. dus in America on a common platform. His his political foresight and intestinal fortitude but a strategic trading partner with the US I am sure Shalli Kumar, along with other closeness with President Trump will serve in picking Donald Trump as his presidential for which Mr. Kumar may play a vital role. Hindu activists, deserves credit for swinging tremendously in the interest of the Indian candidate. That he did so with visible high During his campaign, Mr. Trump remained the Hindu votes for Trump in the crucial states. American Diaspora. The voice and needs of decibel support serves well in politics. That critical of counties like China, Mexico etc., Indian-American communities will be well Shalli created the Republican Hindu Coali- for their unfair trade practices but appre- sent to White House through his noticeable tion, and became a 1-party dedicated evan- ciated India. While Mr. Trump referred to presence. I wish him good luck & greater gelical group is commendable, but less than Pakistan as a trouble country, he empha- success in his endeavors. his support for our next President because sized the need for India’s assistance in this the RHC wants to be anti-Muslim, a religious reagard. In the area of immigration reform, wrong, and anti-Pakistan, a political wrong though Mr. Trump is critical of illegal im- after Pakistan’s loyal-to-America stance for migration, he has expressed his inclination most of her existence. Moreover, we don’t for STEM visa of which India is one of the import any prejudices from the birth nation major beneficiaries. to America, as it violates E Pluribus Unum. Shalli’s having POTUS45 light a Diya and getting the Trump campaign to come up with a Hindi slogan-ad and Trump to say it: Aron Govil ‘Ab Ki Baar, Trump Sarkar’, was a political CMD, Ducon Group milestone. His singular achievement - and I’m beyond proud of him - for he got accep- Congratulations to Mr Shalabh Kumar tance for the community. as “The South Asian Times - Person of the Jagadeesan Poola While Hillary Clinton imploded in slow Year 2016. Donald Trump’s victory in the Businessman, philanthropist motion, Huma Abedin’s role and possession US presidential election shocked the entire of 650K emails and Hillary’s maid printing world and his presidency has the potential to It is amazing to see the victory of Presi- confidential emails in the secure tent were reshape it. In his victory speech, Mr. Trump dent Trump and the visionary support pro- the last straw for this Democrat - and com- indicated that he will put America’s interest vided by Shalabh Kumar on behalf of Indian- pelled my vote for Shalli’s candidate. Dr. Uma Mysorekar first and he will deal fairly with everyone and American communities in the Presidential I’ve publicly lamented the near-death of President, Hindu Temple Society all nations. I congratulate Mr. Trump on his election. My warm congratulations to Shal- the American Dream for nearly 10 years and of North America victory and for sending the biggest shock- abh Kumar for his nomination as prestigious predicted that by 2020 we will be at 1920’s wave in US politics in over 70 years. honor as the Person of the Year 2016 of a Great Gatsby era; we are almost there, and Congratulations to Shalabh Kumar on be- I am excited about the emerging oppor- leading newspaper, The South Asian Times. the angry American voters elected Trump to ing declared as this paper’s Person of the tunities during the Trump administration. We all can hope he will represent Indi- disrupt politics as usual - as in Hillary’s ad- Year 2016. He is a successful businessman, There are over 3.5 million Indian Ameri- an American Diaspora at the US Capitol & mission that her public stance was opposite philanthropist and has contributed signifi- cans who are a valuable asset for India to the White House. Best wishes to President her private policy position. cantly to improving US-India relations. forge a closer tie between the two countries Trump & Shalabh Kumar.