V. O. Chidambaram Pillai

Who was V. O. Chidambaram Pillai?

Valliappan Olaganthan Chidambaram Pillai, popularly known by his initials, V.O.C., also known as Kappalottiya Tamilan "The Tamil Helmsman", was a Tamil political leader. He was a disciple of Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

He launched the first indigenous Indian shipping service between Tuticorin and Colombo with the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company, competing against British ships. At one time a member of the Indian National Congress, he was later charged with sedition by the British government and sentenced to life imprisonment; his barrister license was stripped.