One of the earliest Tamil newspapers and the longest in print, Swadesamitran was founded by Indian nationalist G. Subramania Iyer four years after he had started The Hindu.

It was a chronicle of the Indian National Independence movement from its inception and it was used by Subramania Aiyer to rouse the nationalistic feelings of the Tamil people.

These men used familiar anecdotes form the great epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata to rouse public opinion in the cause of nationalism within Tamil Nadu (then known as The Madras Presidency).

The paper was successful quite early in its life and quickly found readership wherever there was a significant Tamil population not only in India but also in Burma, Sri Lanka and Mauritius.

After Srinivasan's death his son CS Narasimhan sold the controlling shares held by him to the Silver Jubilee of Independence Trust of the Congress Party headed by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minisher Shri M Bhaktavatsalam.

It was purchased from the Trust by John Thomas (born 1 August 1924, died 18 November 2001) a distinguished lawyer of the Madras High Court and successful local businessman.

Swadesamitran published a Who's Who in Tamil Nadu in 1980-1981 (edited by Philip Thomas born 18 July 1960 died 9 May 2006) and the publication was released in Madurai by Prime Minister Smt.