KV Kumar
Founding Chairman Emeritus, Indian American International Chamber of Commerce
President, Diaspora Capital Advisors, LLC | Washington, USA
Janam Bhumi:
Bangalore, India
Dharma Bhumi:
Bangalore, India
Karma Bhumi:
Washington, USA
Ambassador of Global Goodwill
The ‘KV’ Factor: “The good you do always reverberates, returning to you at some point.”
THE MAN
The Egyptians called it Bennu, the Greeks named it the Phoenix, and the Hindus saw its essence in Agniketu – all embodiments of the indomitable spirit that rises from the ashes of suffering. Very much like these mythical beings, KV Kumar has not only fought every adversity with renewed strength, but he has also rebuilt many others’ lives along the way.
Born in 1945, KV had an enriching childhood surrounded by the wisdom of his grandparents, Pandit Raghavendra Acharya and ‘Bucchakka’. KV’s grandfather was his guru, a Telugu and Sanskrit scholar who taught many people about Indian culture.
KV’s parents, Dr MV Krishnamurthy and Saraswati, were role models in their own right. His father, an alumnus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, worked to strengthen US–India relations, a skill he passed on to his son. Their family of six siblings was not poor. Neither were they rich. Yet, it did not hinder their generosity, especially KV’s mother, who passed away in October 2025 at 107 years old. She is the inspiration behind the “giver” in KV.
THE JOURNEY
Upon his mother’s insistence that he become a doctor or engineer, KV chose the latter and gained a diploma in Industrial Engineering from Bengaluru. He joined MEC Batteries as a Trainee Production Supervisor where he soon built a reputation for himself, prompting the management to send him to Germany for further training and a possible master’s degree. An excited KV started learning German and preparing for his journey. His friends lovingly teased him as “Germany Kumar”. When the plan fell through, the 21-year-old KV felt dejected. However, KV’s father found a solution and sent him to continue his education in the United States. Germany Kumar was on his way to become America’s beloved KV.
Though he initially lived in New York with an American family, he moved to Washington DC, seeking independence and opportunities. Here he worked in the summer at the Indian embassy, followed by positions at the Saudi Arabian, Laotian, and Algerian embassies. He then joined the World Bank (WB) as a messenger, simultaneously pursuing a bachelor’s degree in economics at Federal City College & Ohio Christian. As a Research Assistant at WB, he developed basics for monitoring and evaluation systems for the World Bank-financed projects. His reputation for precision and discretion took him to Manila on a deputation at the Asian Development Bank in Manila. What ensued was a prolific career and a stellar reputation has seen KV as a trustworthy fixture at the White House. He has been strategic advisor and worked for six US Presidents from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump except for President Biden. His political acumen helped revive George H.W. Bush’s campaign. KV devised strategic recommendations for the Asian American constituency, which were later validated by the Vice President’s office. Though never formally part of the paid Administration, his role as adviser shaped outreach and messaging.
He has also influenced policy on US-India relations, contributing to agreements such as the Strategic Trade Authorization 1 (STA-1), and the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement.
KV’s contributions have earned him multiple honours, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, seven lifetime achievements, numerous congressional, senatorial, gubernatorial, California State Senate, and the International Brain Injury Association President’s Award for his advocacy work.
A child with “bare minimum interest in academics,” is today an institution in himself. He pioneered outsourcing long before it became mainstream. Currently, he serves as the President of Diaspora Capital Advisors, LLC, Managing Partner at Star, McLaughlin, Kumar & Ackerman, LLC, and Founding Chairman Emeritus of the Indian American International Chamber of Commerce (IAICC), and the newly formed non-profit International Development Foundation. He is also a Co-Chair of the National Republican Asian Assembly.
THE SPIRIT WITHIN
KV has faced adversities one after another. The most life-defining one was a catastrophic head injury that took his memory and part of his identity with it. It was a daunting period for KV and his family. But the kindness KV had shared with the world returned to his aid when he needed it the most. He recalls how he once supported Doro Bush Koch’s initiative for the National Rehabilitation Hospital and, years later, when he required admission at the overbooked hospital, his wife enlisted Doro’s help, securing him an appointment the very next day.
This Karmic cycle of goodwill is KV’s biggest wealth and his raison d’être. He is a passionate advocate for traumatic brain injury (TBI). His efforts led to the Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 1996 which now benefits over 5.5 million Americans.
KV has always stood for the common man. As a mentor, KV covered 27,000 miles (ca. 43,452 km) during the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting Indian and non-Indian small business owners in securing loans and grants. His commitment to help small businesses and entrepreneurs led him to becoming the first Indian-American to be appointed to the executive committee of the US Small Business Administration’s National Advisory Council.
As an Indian-American, KV has helped to bring the Indian expat community into the fold, giving them a space and solid ground to stand on, in political, social and business circles by founding, being part of and leading several organisations. He is the founder of the India club at the World Bank and IMF.
KV is many things to many people. But to him, his biggest identity is that of a volunteer. Over decades, he volunteered over 155,000 hours assisting individuals and organisations to help promote strategic initiatives, and advocating for Indian-American interests.
THE LEGACY
Behind every successful man is a woman. Behind KV’s success, there are two – His mother and his wife, Vijaya. “It was Vijaya’s unconditional support and push that has helped me remain active and working,” he shares. An accident survivor herself, Vijaya overcame her disability and became KV’s memory anchor during his recovery. Their two sons, Sanjay and Vishnu, are who they are largely because of Vijaya’s upbringing. Sanjay, with a double master’s in Economics and Finance from Arizona State University, works for a major retail chain. He is married to Marissa and has two children, Anika and Soren. Vishnu, a Columbia graduate and former US Marine who served in Afghanistan, works in IT. He is married to Jessica and has two children, William and Russel.
Today, life has come full circle for KV. But it has also thrown every curveball possible – from personal loss to traumatic injuries, and financial failure. But nothing has broken KV’s spirit.
As a baby, KV once sat on the ‘Father of the Indian Nation’ Mahatma Gandhi’s lap. Today, KV Kumar – God’s own child – can easily lay claim to the title of ‘Father of Indian-American community ties’, who never lets himself forget that kindness and honesty are the only way to be.
MAPPING THE INDIA WITHIN
Bharat: Then and Now
“Back then, we looked up to others for direction; today, we lead in ideas and execution. That’s real progress. India has grown leaps and bounds.”
Bharatiya Values that Travelled
“Wherever I went, lessons from home followed me — respect elders, work hard, keep your word. You can live anywhere in the world, but if you’ve grown up Bharatiya, you carry that sense of fairness and gratitude with you.”
Generations Abroad: A New Bharatiya Identity
“I’ve seen young Indians abroad turn their roots into strength. The earlier generation adjusted quietly; this one asserts with pride. The new Bharatiya abroad isn’t confused about identity. They know who they are, and they make others respect it.”
Pride, Progress, and the Spirit Of Bharat
“Pride for me is watching Indians deliver world-class work and stay humble. Bharat’s spirit has always been about rising after every fall. Our progress is quiet but steady.”
Dreams for the Youth and Future of Bharat
“I want our young people to stay restless, not complain but create. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start with what you have; that’s how Bharat built itself. The world respects those who deliver, not those who only desire.”
BACK TO THE FUTURE – IN FIVE MOMENTS
Food Cravings
THEN
I loved cut mangoes with chilli powder and ‘Congress’ peanuts.
NOW
I enjoy world cuisine. But nothing beats simple, home-cooked meals.
Sport Spirit
THEN
Sports were all about fun with friends. I played street cricket.
NOW
I don’t play sports, but I do feel that sportsmanship has left the arena.
Music Tastes
THEN
I grew up on Binaca Geetmala, loving Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu songs.
NOW
I explore new genres but always return to Indian classical music for its depth and soul.
Holiday Life
THEN
Holidays meant family visits or pilgrimages.
NOW
Apart from visiting pilgrimage sites, we enjoy exploring and spontaneous trips. Once, we flew to Puerto Rico with no luggage and spent the weekend exploring.
Leisure Habits
THEN
Leisure was long walks or rides with friends to nearby villages.
NOW
It combines relaxation and discovery, shared with my wife.
AKA
“Most Influential Multi-Cultural Business Leader” (2009) | “Epitome of Volunteerism” | Recipient of Unheralded Advocacy Award for 1996 Traumatic Brain Injury Act | KV Kumar Indian American International Chamber of Commerce | Founding Chairman Emeritus IAICC KV Kumar | KV Kumar Diaspora Capital Advisors | President Diaspora Capital Advisors LLC KV Kumar
