NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, DEC 1
India Post has released a customised commemorative ‘My Stamp’ marking the birth centenary of Pottipatti Obul Reddy (1925–2025), one of South India’s most influential industrialists, philanthropists, and cultural patrons.
A special Customised My Stamp was released today at ITC Chola, Chennai in honour of Shri Obul Reddy, first Director of Apollo Hospital, on his 100th Birth Anniversary. pic.twitter.com/CqkJSQTgPN
— Chennai City Postal Region (@PMG_Chennai) November 30, 2025
The stamp was unveiled at a special centenary celebration in Chennai by Major Manoj M., IPoS, Director of Postal Services, Chennai, in the presence of Padma Vibhushan Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Founder & Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group.
A pioneering entrepreneur, Obul Reddy forged one of India’s earliest Indo-Japanese industrial collaborations with Matsushita (Panasonic) in 1972, leading to the establishment of Indo National Limited (Nippo Batteries). Under his stewardship, Nippo evolved into one of India’s most trusted dry-cell brands, introducing landmark products such as Nippo Hyper and Nippo Special (1P). His emphasis on affordability and rural access helped Nippo achieve nationwide penetration, enabling the company—today producing nearly 800 million batteries annually—to become India’s second-largest dry-cell manufacturer.
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- Centenary event in Chennai marks his enduring legacy across industry and the arts
Dr. Prathap C. Reddy said, “Shri P. Obul Reddy was a rare blend of industrial vision, human compassion, and cultural commitment. Professionally, he stood beside Apollo from its earliest days as one of its initiating directors, his encouragement, counsel, and faith in our mission were simply unimaginable, and his support helped shape Apollo’s journey in ways history will always remember. Personally, I have been deeply touched by his warmth and kindness; our families shared a bond that went beyond institutions, and I will always cherish the grace with which he stood with us through life’s milestones. His work at Indo National showed the nation what Indian enterprise could achieve when integrity and purpose lead the way, and his philanthropy and patronage of Carnatic music reflected a life devoted to giving back. This centenary is not only a remembrance, but a renewed call to live by the values he so beautifully embodied.”
Widely respected for his humility and commitment to social upliftment, Obul Reddy contributed extensively to education, healthcare, elder care, and community welfare. His profound devotion to Carnatic music—especially to Saint Thyagaraja—was reflected in his founding of the Sri Thyagaraja Seva Samithi and his lifelong patronage of musicians and sabhas. His initiatives nurtured cultural continuity and supported generations of artistes.
The My Stamp launch formed a central component of the year-long centenary celebrations honouring his contributions to industry, social development, and the arts. Members of his family were present, making the event a heartfelt tribute to a life marked by purpose, integrity, and lasting impact.
