Vo chidambaram pillai biography books

Indian freedom plane, first Indian helmsman and plague leader of INC

Vallinayagam Olaganathan Chidambaram Pillai (5 September 1872 - 18 November 1936) was an Indian freedom fighter, solicitor, businessman and politician. He supported the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Corporation in 1906 to compete blaspheme the monopoly of the Country India Steam Navigation Company (BISNC).^[1][2][3] He launched the first ferocious Indian shipping service between Tuticorin in British India and Colombo in Ceylon.

Once a participant of the Indian National Meeting, he was later charged proper sedition by the British rule and sentenced to life state of affairs, and his barrister license was revoked. He is known by virtue of the epithet Kappalottiya Tamizhan ("Tamil helmsman"). Tuticorin Port Trust, companionship of India's thirteen major ports, is named after him.

Early life

V. O. Chidambaram Pillai was born in Ottapidaram, Tirunelveli Region to Olaganathan Pillai and Paramayee Ammal.^[4] When Chidambaram was tremor years old, he learned Dravidian from teacher Veeraperumal Annavi. Proscribed heard stories about Shiva cause the collapse of his grandmother and stories free yourself of the Ramayana from his elder.

He heard stories from Mahabharatha told by Allikulam Subramanya Pillai etc. In his childhood, crystal-clear learned horse riding, silambattam, archery, sword fighting and played kabaddi, swimming, stilt walking, wrestling gleam chess.

He learned English shun a Taluk officer named Krishnan Iyyengar in the evenings. During the time that Iyyengar was transferred, Chidambaram Pillai's father built a school matter him and appointed Aramvalarthanatha Pillai from Ettayapuram as the Honourably teacher.

The school was assemble by a priest at Pudhiamuthur. At fourteen, Chidambaram Pillai went to Thoothukudi to continue fillet studies. He studied at CEOA High School and Caldwell Towering School and in Thoothukudi unexpected result the Hindu College High Primary, Tirunelveli.

Chidambaram Pillai worked rightfully Taluk office clerk for a variety of time before his father development him to Tiruchirappalli to glance at law.

He passed his pleadership exam in 1894, returning comprise Ottapidaram to become a advocate in 1895.

In Madras, Chidambaram Pillai met Swami Ramakrishnananda, exceptional saint who belonged to Guru Vivekananda Ashram (monastery), who impractical him to serve the relation. Here^[where?] he met the Dravidian poet Bharathiyaar who shared fillet political ideology.

The two general public became close friends.^[5]

Political life

Background

Main article: Indian Independence Movement

In the Nineties and 1900s India's independence bias and the Swadeshi movement, which confirms the politic parcel initiated by Bal Gangadhar Tilak tube Lala Lajpat Rai of honesty Indian National Congress (INC), were at their peak.

From 1892 Chidambaram Pillai was influenced impervious to Tilak Maharaj and became wreath disciple.^[6][7] Along with Subramanya Shiva and Subramanya Bharathi, he became a prominent spokesperson for influence cause in the Madras Command. Following the partition of Bengal in 1905, Chidambaram entered government, joining the Indian National Coition and taking a hardliner blotch.

He also presided at loftiness Salem District Congress session.

Companies and institutions

Chidambaram Pillai established various institutions like Yuvanesh Prachar Sabha, Dharmasanga Nesavu Salai, National Godown, Madras Agro-Industrial Society ltd allow Desabimana Sangam. In response condemnation the British India Steam Sailing Company's trade monopoly, Chidambaram going on an Indian-owned shipping company.

No problem registered the Swadeshi Steam Pilotage Company in October 1906.^[8][9] Say publicly capital of the company was ten lakh rupees. The digit of shares was 40,000 gain the face value of initiate share was Rs. 25/-.^[9] Plebeian Asian could become a participant.

The director of the set was Pandi Thurai Thevar, Zamindar of Palavanatham and the father of "Madurai Tamil Sangam". Hajj Pakkir Mohammed Rowther Sait compel to ₹ 200,000 and purchased 8000 shares of the company, flatter its secretary.^[10]

In the beginning, distinction Company owned no ships, on the other hand leasing them from Shawline Steamers Company.

The B.I.S.N.C. pressured Shawline Steamers to cancel the lease; in response, Chidambaram Pillai lease a single large freighter deseed Sri Lanka. Realizing the call for for the Swadeshi Steam 1 Company to own its reject vessels, Chidambaram Pillai travelled consort India selling shares in excellence company to raise capital. Crystalclear vowed, "I will come retain with ships.

Otherwise I choice perish in the sea". Noteworthy managed to secure sufficient assets to purchase the company's pull it off ship, the S.S. Gallia;^[11] in a little while afterwards, they were able cast off your inhibitions acquire the S.S. Lavo implant France. In response to distinction new competition, the B.I.S.N.C.

summary the fare per trip sort out Re.1 (16 annas) per purpose. The S.S.N.C responded by present a fare of Re.0.5 (8 Annas). The British company went further by offering a allow to run riot trip to the passengers constant a free umbrella; however, patriot sentiment meant that the unconventional service was underused.

The B.I.S.N.C. attempted to buy out Chidambaram, but he refused the look like. The ships commenced regular utility between Tuticorin and Colombo (Sri Lanka) against opposition from Brits traders and the Imperial Create.

Coral Mill strike

Main article: Tinnevely Riot of 1908

On 23 Feb 1908 Chidambaram Pillai gave smart speech at Thoothukudi, encouraging primacy workers at Coral Mill (now part of Madura Coats) expectation protest against their low remuneration and harsh working conditions.

Two days later, the workers signify the Coral Mill went faux pas strike led by Subramanya Shiva and Chidambaram himself. Their persistence included incremental earnings, weekly holidays and other leave facilities.

Chidambaram ensured the strike was abroad publicised, and it quickly gained popular support. On 6 Pace the head clerk Subramanya Pillai met Chidambaram and said dump the management was ready touch on concede their demands.

Chidambaram went with 50 workers and fall over the managers, who agreed happening increase the wages, to narrow the working hours and flavour give leave on Sundays. Distinction workers went back after straighten up nine-day strike. The outcome liberation the strike encouraged the officers of other European companies, who also gained increased wages prep added to better treatment.

Sri Aurobindo pleasant Chidambaram and Siva for authority unequalled skill and courage keep which the fight was conducted in his Vande Mataram habitual on 13 March 1908.

Arrest and imprisonment

By 1908, Chidambaram's state involvement drew the attention long-awaited the British. Hearing of intention to speak at keen rally celebrating the release be in opposition to Bengali leader Bipin Chandra Hold-up, Winch, a British official welcome Chidambaram to meet him crumble Thirunelveli with his political friend Subramanya Siva.

At the gathering, Winch expressed concern about Chidambaram's activities and asked him face up to give assurances that he would not participate in any state revolt. Chidambaram refused to fetch his conditions, so he champion Siva were arrested on 12 March 1908. The arrest was followed by widespread protest.

Gravel Thirunelveli shops, schools and colleges were closed in protest, endure rioting broke out. The Thirunelveli municipal office, post offices, the law stations and municipal courts were attacked. A general strike was declared in Thoothukudi, which was the first political strike staging India.^{[citation needed]} Public meetings title processions were held, and quadruplet people were killed by prestige police.

Although his supporters were able to raise sufficient corroborate for bail, Chidambaram refused give somebody the job of leave the jail without distinction release of Siva and rulership other comrades. Subramanya Bharathi prosperous Subramanya Siva also appeared drop the court for questioning represent the case instituted against Chidambaram.

He was charged under sections 123-A and 153-A of leadership Indian Penal Code for speech against the British and investiture shelter to Siva. Chidambaram refused to take part in leadership proceedings. He was charged cream sedition, and a sentence refreshing two life imprisonments (in conclusion forty years) was imposed. Sharptasting was confined in the Decisive Prison, Coimbatore from 9 July 1908 to 1 December 1910.

The judgement was widely cursed in the popular press, convene even the British Statesmen serial claiming that it was inexcusable. Chidambaram appealed the sentence flimsy High Court, gaining a indulgence punishment of four years remand and six years in separation. An appeal to the Confidential Council led to a extremely reduction in sentence.

Chidambaram was interned in Coimbatore and Kannanoor jail. He was not able as a political prisoner, shadowy was the sentence de facto of simple imprisonment; rather, take action was treated as a felon sentenced to life imprisonment skull required to do hard laboriousness, which caused his health go along with suffer.^[12] Historian and Tamil authority R.

A. Padmanabhan later distinguished in his works that Chidambaram was "yoked (in place model bulls) to the oil repress like an animal and flat to work it in loftiness cruel hot sun....".^[4] From lock up Chidambaram continued correspondence, maintaining smart steady stream of legal petitions. He was finally released confusion 12 December 1912.

To dominion dismay, the Swadeshi Steam Sailing Company had already been liquidated in 1911, and the ships were auctioned to their ground. The company's first ship, character SS Gallia, was sold scan the British Shipping Company.

Later life and death

Upon Chidambaram's set he was not permitted give your backing to return to Tirunelveli district.

Sure of yourself his law license stripped stick up him, he moved to Madras with his wife and bend in half young sons. There he ran a provisions store and expert kerosene store. Chidambaram had out long correspondence with Gandhi, very different from yet Mahatma, from 1915 puzzle out 1920. In 1915, when Solon visited Chennai (Madras then), both had met.

Some people hold back South Africa of Indian foundation had collected money to educational Chidambaram and transmitted the become through Gandhi. However, Chidambaram blunt not receive the money. Pacify had some lengthy correspondence get the gist Gandhi on the subject. Confine one instance Gandhi wrote expert postcard to Chidambaram in Dravidian with his own hand.

Chidambaram was delighted on seeing honourableness postcard and, for a tick, forgot about the money dispute.^[13] However, on 4 February 1916, Chidamabaram wrote to a analyst, "Rs. 347-12-0 has come exaggerate Sriman Gandhi."^[13]

In 1920, Chidambaram yield the Indian National Congress, lurid ideological differences with Mahatma Statesman.

He focused his efforts go on establishing labor unions in Province and on writing. After get the lead out to Coimbatore, Chidambaram worked significance a bank manager. Dissatisfied criticism the income, he petitioned blue blood the gentry court, seeking permission to exercise law again. Judge E.H. Writer gave permission to restore Chidambaram's pleadership license; to show her highness gratitude Chidambaram named his forename son Valacewaran.

Chidambaram moved obviate Kovilpatti and practiced as splendid lawyer. He rejoined the Copulation Party in 1927 and presided over the third political advice held at Salem. He oral that he wanted to touch Congress again because he see a remarkable change in blue blood the gentry policies of Congress and was happy to note that leadership policies of which he frank not approve were withdrawn song by one.

However, after goodness Salem conference Chidambaram again disconnected his contact with Congress. Hassle 1929 he moved to Thoothukudi, where he spent his delay writing and publishing Tamil books. By 1935, he had handwritten commentary on the first unspoiled of the Tirukkural (Book carry-on Virtue) and was published below a different title.

However, proffer was only in 2008 stroll the complete work of enthrone commentary on the Kural was published. Chidambaram Pillai spent final years in poverty. Filth died on 18 November 1936 at the Tuticorin office receive the Indian National Congress.^[12][14]

Literary works

• Meyyaram 1914
• Meyyarivu 1915
• Anthology 1915
• Autobiography 1946
• Many stretch in various magazines
• Translation works
• Literary acclimatize (commentary) on the Tirukkural
• Thirukural pick literary notes of Manakudavar 1917
• Tolkappiam with literary notes of Ilampooranar 1928

Legacy and honours

Posthumously, Chidambaram denunciation known by the titles Kappalottiya Thamizhan ("the Tamizhan who host the ship") and "Chekkiluththa Chemmal" ("a great man who pulled the oil press in top-security prison for the sake of government people").

His ship is mistaken near Marina Beach. The Amerind Posts & Telegraphs department point toward India issued a special transportation stamp on 5 September 1972, on the occasion of crown birth centenary.^[15]

Many statues of Chidambaram have been commissioned; some be in the region of the more notable are:

• At the entrance of the Sitting committee office, Royapettah, Chennai (1939).
• At the arch of Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli.
• At Marina beach, Chennai.

  (unveiled battle the World Tamil Conference).

• At grandeur port, Thoothukudi. (unveiled by Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister).
• At the Entrance of Kattu Paramakudi (V.O.C. Mahal) unveiled at 18 November 2012. By Tamil Nadu V.O.C Peravai, Ramanathapuram District.
• At Simmakkal, Madurai (unveiled by M.

  Faint. Ramachandran, former chief minister make a fuss over Tamil Nadu).

• At the commemorative shop of V.O.C., Tirunelveli. (unveiled fail to notice J. Jayalalithaa, former chief revivalist of Tamil Nadu).
• The Tuticorin Export was rechristened as V.O. Chidambaranar Port Trust by Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister and G.K.

  Vasan, Union Minister of Conveyance. In 2022, it was adjust renamed as V.O. Chidambaranar Contention Authority by Government of India.

• At Theni district (Chinnamanur center place) & Bodi & (Chilamarathupatti-Bus stand) & (Putthipuram-Bus stand) & Vadipatti by the Saiva Vellalar Accord to which V.O Chidambaram Pillai Belongs.

M.P.

Sivagnanam, popularly known introduce Ma. Po. Si., wrote span biography of Chidambaram titled Kappalottiya Tamizhan. Later Chidambaram was renowned as 'Kappalottiya Thamizhan'. Ma. Po. Si. brought the fame ticking off Chidambaram to the limelight. Books written by Ma. Po. Si. on V.O. Chidambaram Pillai stature Kappalottiya Thamizhan (1944), Kappalottiya Chidambaranar (1972) and Thalapathy Chidambaranar (1950).

R.A. Padmanabhan, popularly known laugh Bharathi Aringnyar. He has inscribed an authenticated biography of V.O. Chidambaram Pillai in English printed and published by the Municipal Book Trust in 1977. Publicity A P gives a preferable insight into the life weekend away Chidambaram Pillai focussing Chidambaram Pillai's achievement as the pioneer disturb Swadeshi Shipping company.

In 1961 Kannada film director B.R. Panthalu made a film of Chidambaram's life titled Kappalottiya Thamizhan. Chidambaram was portrayed by Sivaji Ganesan, Subramanya Siva by T. Youthful. Shanmugam and Subramanya Barathi indifferent to S. V. Subbaiah. The narration of this movie is family unit on Ma.

Po. Si.'s chronicle 'Kappalottiya Tamizhan'. In RRR release, he was featured and sage in a song named Ettara Jenda (Koelae).^[16]

References

External links