Omanthur P. Ramaswamy Reddiar was born on 1st February 1895 at Omanthur in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu to  Shri  Muthurama  Reddiar  and Smt. Aranaganayaki. He completed his high school education at Walter Scott High School at Tindivanam. He actively participated in the freedom movement and was imprisoned several times. He was the first Chief Minister of Madras Presidency on 23rd March 1947. He remained Chief Minister merely for two years, but in these two years he was able to implement several far reaching schemes. He banned the Devadasi system in the temples, he initiated the construction of a dam at Low Elr Bhavani Sagar and was instrumental in getting the  dams  constructed   on  Malampuzha River in Palaghat, Kerala and Periyar Hydro-electricity project.

He advocated the need for the creation of Crop Insurance Scheme for farmers. He encouraged cooperative marketing for agricultural products.

He ordered and implemented for the first time the entry of Dalits in Hindu temples by issuing specific Government orders. He was the first Chief Minister who established the Home Guard system to assist the local police. He introduced an Employment Exchange system.

Omanthur P. Ramaswamy Reddiar is remembered as an efficient Chief Minister. He retired from active politics in 1962. After his retirement; he dedicated himself to social activities by establishing Appar Orphanage and Vallalar High School.

He passed away on 25th August,1970.

India Post is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on Omanthur P. Ramaswamy Reddiar.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India