Essay – V. O. Chidambaram Pillai
V. O. Chidambaram Pillai Essay: V.O. Chidambaram Pillai was an eminent figure in the freedom struggle of India. He actively participated in the movements like Swadeshi and Boycott movements from the modern-day Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. He was a man of great valor, courage and a great leader who was respected and followed by many.
V. O. Chidambaram Pillai was born on 5th September 1872 in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. From his childhood, Chidambaram studied stories about Shiva and Ramayana from his grandparents, heard stories of Mahabharata and all these stories made him gain knowledge of our ancient heritage and culture. He also learnt archery, sword fighting and played kabaddi, swimming, wrestling and chess. He completed his schooling from CEOA High School and Caldwell High School and Hindu College High School. Chidambaram also worked Taluk Officer clerk for some duration before he studied law from Tiruchirappalli and established a successful career as a lawyer after passing pleadership exam.
During his career he met many prominent leaders and Swamis who influenced him with their nationalist ideologies. Swami Ramakrishna Nanda influenced him and asked him to join national Slowly he engrossed himself in various aspects of national movement. In 1906, he founded the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company (SSNC) competing against British ships and this came to be known as Chidambaram Pillai movement. During 1890s and 1900 when the Swadeshi movement was initiated by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai, Chidambaram Pillai was guided by Tilak Maharaj and became his ardent follower. He became the prominent speaker in the Madras Presidency and in 1905 after the partition of Bengal, Chidambaram joined the Indian National Congress.
Also See: Essay on Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Chidambaram was a skilled orator and great leader and he always voiced his grievances against the colonial rule. In 1908, he encouraged and supported the workers at Coral Mill to protest against their poor wages and inhuman working conditions. Chidambaram’s continuous support and participation in the national movement attracted the attention of the British government. In a meeting with a British official, Chidambaram was forced to avoid political revolt and when he refused to accept, Chidambaram and his companion were arrested. The arrest caused widespread protest. Chidambaram was sentenced to two life imprisonments and constricted in the Central Prison, Coimbatore in 1908.He was exposed to hard labor which caused severe damage to his health. Chidambaram was released in December 1912.
In his later life, Chidambaram he had to settle down in Chennai as he was not allowed to return to Tirunelveli. After quitting Indian National Congress in 1920, Chidambaram practiced law. He rejoined National Congress in 1927 and in 1935, he penned his first book Tirukkal (Book of Virtue).
Many institutions of socio-economic welfare and upliftment were established by Chidambaram like Yuvanesh Prachar Sabha, Dharmasanga Nesavu Salai, National Godown, Madras Agro-Industrial Society Ltd. And Desabinama Sangha which were milestones in the path of development and progress. He continued to motivate and inspire young generations till his death in 1936 at Tuticorin.