The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paid tributes to freedom fighter V. O. Chidambaram Pillai on his birth Anniversary.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said; “Tributes to the great V. O. Chidambaram Pillai on his birth anniversary. Our nation is indebted to him for his rich contribution to the freedom struggle. He also placed great emphasis on economic progress and becoming self-reliant. His ideals continue to inspire us.”
V. O. Chidambaranar was born on 5th Sep 1872, in present day Thoothukudi District Tamil Nadu. As we celebrate his 150th Birth Anniversary, it is important to recall his sacrifices for our country. Like Veer Savarkar, V.O. Chidambaranar was also awarded double life imprisonment with hard labour for championing the cause of Indian Independence.
Like how Veer Savarkar toiled in Andaman, V.O.C toiled in Coimbatore and Kannanur jail. He was chained, yoked to the oil press in the hot sun. V.O.C. toiled hard in prison along with Subramaniya Siva. His health deteriorated worse. Fearing public backlash the British released both after 4 years.
V.O.C. was born into a wealthy family but spent everything for the country. After release from jail, he suffered in penury. V.O.C. is hailed as Kappalottiya Tamizhan. He established India’s first steam navigation company. His contribution to Swadeshi Movement is to be etched in the golden memory of our country.
What we call Aatma Nirbhar Bharat today, V.O.C. pioneered it 120 years back. Every product he used in his life were Swadeshi products. It will be a great tribute to him, if his birthday, 5th Sep, is celebrated as Swadeshi Diwas. V.O.C. precedes Mahatma Gandhi when it comes to the Freedom movement.
