Shalli's Story

SHALLI'S STORY

Industrialist. Inventor. Nation-Builder.

Shalabh “Shalli” Kumar is an entrepreneur, innovator, and global business leader whose career spans industry, technology, and public life. For more than four decades, he has built companies, developed breakthrough technologies, and contributed to conversations shaping economic cooperation and geopolitical relations between the United States and India.

A self-made immigrant entrepreneur, Shalli founded the AVG Group of Companies and built it into a global enterprise in electronics, automation, and advanced industrial technologies. He holds 22 United States patents and has led multiple technology and manufacturing companies across international markets, advancing innovation and industrial capability.

Beyond business, Shalli has been actively engaged in public policy, leadership, and civic dialogue. His work has focused on economic development, innovation, and strengthening international cooperation. Through That’s Shalli, he shares perspective drawn from a lifetime of building, leading, and navigating complex global change.

from humble beginnings

1948

Born in Ambala, India

From an early age, Shalli showed a strong interest in engineering, problem solving, and innovation.

1969

Punjab Engineering College, Gold Medalist

Graduated with a degree in Electronics Engineering, earning the institution’s highest academic honor for excellence.

1970

Arrives in the United States

Moved to America at age 20 to pursue graduate studies at Illinois Institute of Technology. This marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of building, inventing, and shaping global industry.

1975

Founded AVG Group of Companies

Established AVG, which grew into a global leader in electronics, automation, and advanced industrial technologies serving industries worldwide.

1980s TO 2000s

Inventor and Industrial Pioneer

Earned 22 United States patents and developed automation technologies used globally across manufacturing and electronics industries. Served as President and CEO of multiple technology and industrial companies, expanding innovation and international reach.

2010 to 2014

Public Policy and Global Engagement

Began active engagement in public policy and international dialogue, contributing to economic and strategic cooperation between the United States and India.

2015

Founded the Republican Hindu Coalition

Created a national organization focused on civic engagement and leadership within the Hindu American community.

2016

Engagement in United States Presidential Politics

Participated in a historic presidential campaign, helping mobilize new communities and contributing to public dialogue.

2017

One Globe Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship

Recognized internationally for leadership, innovation, and contributions to strengthening Indo-American economic and strategic relations.

2020 to Present

Global Advisor and Voice of Leadership

Continues to engage in business, public policy, and global dialogue while mentoring leaders and contributing to discussions on leadership, innovation, faith, and the future of nations. Through That’s Shalli, he explores the ideas, decisions, and forces shaping leadership, global change, and the future of civilization.

WHAT IS THAT’S SHALLI?

That’s Shalli is a leadership and geopolitics podcast focused on the ideas, decisions, and forces shaping our world.

Shalabh Kumar speaks with entrepreneurs, policymakers, innovators, and thought leaders about global leadership, economic strategy, public policy, U.S.–India relations, innovation, and the evolving structure of the modern world. The podcast explores real-world experience, strategic thinking, and long-term leadership principles.

If you are looking for political correctness, this may not be the place. This platform is a pursuit of truth, thoughtful dialogue, and practical insight into leadership, global change, and the future of nations.

Listen or watch on your favorite platform

recent episodes

From the Himalayas to the Halls of Power: My Story

Every show has a beginning. This is ours. On April 14, Shalli Kumar introduces himself, his journey, and why he’s stepping behind the microphone. A movement is beginning. “That’s Shalli!” starts now.

FROM THE DESK OF SHALLI

Read insights, commentary, and strategic perspectives from Shalabh Kumar on leadership, geopolitics, innovation, U.S.–India relations, and global change. These articles connect headlines to deeper forces shaping business, policy, and international cooperation.

The Nation That Sets the Rules for AI Will Set the Rules for the Century

March 20, 2026

Artificial intelligence is the defining technology of the 21st century. As nations race to shape its future, the stakes are rising. The U.S.–India partnership offers a critical opportunity to lead in AI governance, combining innovation and talent to ensure democratic nations set the rules.

I Watched China Destroy American Manufacturing. The Fight to Rebuild Has Just Begun.

March 20, 2026

Electronics manufacturer Shalli Kumar argues that decades of Chinese industrial strategy weakened American manufacturing. Despite a Supreme Court setback on tariffs, he maintains that Sections 301 and 232 remain vital, calling for closing loopholes and focusing on finished goods to drive a durable reshoring effort.

Iran’s Mullahs Declared War on Civilization Long Ago. President Trump Finally Answered.

March 20, 2026

Drawing on lessons from the 1962 Sino-Indian War, this article argues that diplomacy alone cannot restrain authoritarian ambition. It contends that recent U.S. actions have restored credibility, strengthened deterrence, and helped secure both civilizational values and critical economic and strategic interests.

Press & Media

Explore Shalli’s recent appearances across leading news networks, published Op-Eds, and quoted insights in global media. From television interviews to editorial commentary, these features highlight his perspective on geopolitics, leadership, U.S.–India relations, and the forces shaping today’s world.

Video

India-US Trade Deal Fine Print Explained | Shalabh Kumar

February 3, 2026

Shalli Kumar breaks down the key provisions of the India-U.S. trade deal, explaining their economic implications for both countries and what the agreement means for the future of the bilateral relationship under the Trump administration. He offers analysis on how the deal positions India as a preferred American trade and manufacturing partner.

Video

Arnab LIVE: Republican Hindu Coalition to Launch Massive Campaign Against Trump’s Anti-India Policy

August 8, 2025

Shalli Kumar joins Arnab Goswami to announce a major Republican Hindu Coalition campaign targeting Indian American voters in key battleground states. He outlines the RHC strategy to push back against policies seen as unfavorable to India, focusing on Hindu rights, U.S.-India trade, and defense cooperation, and discusses how the effort could shape upcoming elections.

Video

Golden Moment for India: U.S. President Donald Trump’s Close Aide Shalli Kumar on Reciprocal Tariffs

April 7, 2025

Shalli Kumar argues that Trump's reciprocal tariffs, including a 34 percent levy on China and 46 percent on Vietnam, represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity for India to emerge as a dominant global manufacturer. He calls it a golden moment for India to fill the supply chain gap left by goods from countries priced out of American markets.