He was a recipient of the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honor, in 2000, and the Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo from the Government of South Africa in 2013.

He was noted to have participated in campaigns along with Indian anti-colonial nationalist, Mahatma Gandhi, for betterment of treatment meted out to Harijans, considered untouchables in India until then.

During this period he was also associated with the Council on African Affairs, a volunteer-led organization which was a voice of anti-colonialism and Pan-Africanism, working along with political activists Paul Robeson and W. E. B.

[1] During this period he worked with Oliver Tambo, African National Congress leader in exile, in advancing anti-apartheid actions including a combination of economic and social measures.

Speaking about his role at the United Nations, Reddy recounted that some of his work was motivated, "by a feeling that I had not made enough sacrifice for India's freedom, so I should compensate by doing what I can for the rest of the colonies.

"[1] During this time, he further generated awareness against apartheid by convening seminars and international conferences as well as driving campaigns for action against the government.

[6] Speaking about Reddy's work, Nobel Peace Prize awardee and former UN Commissioner for Namibia, Seán MacBride said, "There is no one at the United Nations who has done more to expose the injustices of apartheid and the illegality of the South African regime than he has.