V. O. Chidambaram Pillai
V. O. Chidambaram Pillai | |
|---|---|
Chidambaram in 1919 | |
| Born | Vazuvur Olaganathan Chidambaram Pillai 5 September 1872 |
| Died | 18 November 1936 (aged 64) Thoothukudi, British India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Other names | Kappal Ottiya Tamilzhan, Chekkilutta Chemmal |
| Organization | Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company |
| Political party | Indian National Congress |
| Movement | Indian Independence Movement |
| Spouse | Meenakshi |
| Children | 4 sons, 4 daughters |
Vallinayagam Olaganathan Chidambaram Pillai (5 September 1872 - 18 November 1936) was an Indian freedom fighter, lawyer, businessman, Tamil scholar, and politician. He founded the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company in 1906 to compete against the monopoly of the British India Steam Navigation Company (BISNC). He launched the first indigenous Indian shipping service between Tuticorin in British India and Colombo in Ceylon. Once a member of the Indian National Congress, he was later charged with sedition by the British government and sentenced to life imprisonment, and his barrister license was revoked. He is known by the epithet Kappalottiya Tamizhan ("Tamil helmsman"). Tuticorin Port Trust, one of India's thirteen major ports, is named after him.