V. U. Chidambaram Pillai, popularly known as ‘V. U. C’, was one of the most prominent lawyers in British India in the 19th century. He led the movement of strong trade unions in his native state of Tamil Nadu, but also fought for India’s independence from the British. He is remembered by all as the man who established the first domestic shipping service between Tuticorin and Colombo. Due to his revolutionary spirit and ability to act courageously against the British, his ‘barrister’ title was taken away. His bravery earned him the nickname ‘Kappalottiya Tamilan’ in Tamil Nadu.
Birth: V. U. C was born on September 5, 1872, at Ottapidaram in Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu. His father, Ulaganathan Pillai, was one of the most prominent lawyers in the country. After completing his education, he was encouraged to follow in his father’s footsteps. He was educated in his native town of Ottapadaram and nearby Tirunelveli schools. After completing his schooling, he joined the District Administration Office in Ottapadaram. A few years later, he joined law school, completed his legal studies and became an advocate like his father, Ulaganathan Pillai.
Although his father was his greatest inspiration in the legal profession, there was a fundamental difference in the working styles of him and his father, Ulaganathan Pillai. His father would only advocate for the problems of the rich in society. However, V.O.C., out of his sympathy for the poor, has on many occasions argued against the wishes of his influential father. He was admired by many for his excellent argument and vindicating the guilty in the ‘case of corruption allegations against three deputy judges’ in Tamil Nadu, and gained a reputation as a very good advocate.
Shipping Company: After joining the Indian National Congress, he immersed himself wholeheartedly in the work of the indigenous people for the independence of India. As part of his Swadeshi work, he aimed to put an end to the monopoly of British shipping on the Sri Lankan coast. Inspired by the freedom fighter Ramakrishnananda, he founded the ‘Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company’ on November 12, 1906. To start his shipping company, he purchased two steamships, “S.S. Caleo and S.S. Lao”, with the help of other Swadeshi members, Aurobindo Ghosh and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Despite the anger of the British government and British traders, the ships of the VOC started regular services between Tuticorin and Colombo. His shipping company was not only a trading center, but also the first comprehensive shipping service set up by an Indian in British India. The ‘Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company’ was a tough competitor to the British Steam Navigation Company. The British shipping company, unable to cope with this competition, decided to reduce its rates. In response, the VOC also reduced its shipping fares further.
Finally, the British Steam Navigation Company offered to take passengers for free. The British also tried to provide free rides and umbrellas to the passengers. But the VOC could not do so. As a result, the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company was on the verge of bankruptcy.
Nationalism: He aimed to expand the Swadeshi movement in the country and create awareness among the Indian people about the wrong British government. For this purpose, he got the support of the workers of the ‘Coral Mills’ in Tirunelveli. The British authorities, already hating him, accused this act of treason against the government and ordered his arrest on March 12, 1908. After his arrest, violence broke out in the country. This led to clashes between police officers and the public, resulting in four deaths. Although the British authorities strongly condemned his actions, they praised his nationalist spirit extensively in the newspapers, as they received support from the country's media. Although the British tried to prosecute him, Indians in the country raised funds to get him released from prison. At that time, Mahatma Gandhi, who was in South Africa, also raised more funds and sent them to India for the protection of the VOC. After his arrest, he was imprisoned in the Central Jail in Coimbatore from July 9, 1908 to December 1, 1910. Fearing his revolutionary spirit, the British clearly sentenced him to life imprisonment.
During his time in prison, he did not get the privileges that other political prisoners got. However, he did hard labor in prison like other criminals. This hard work took a toll on his health. As a result, his body
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