V. O. Chidambaram Pillai
Vallinayagam Olaganthan Chidambaram Pillai, (1872-1936) (Tamil: வ. உ. சிதம்பரம் பிள்ளை) popularly known by his initials, V.O.C. (spelt Vaa. Oo.Ce in Tamil), also known as Kappalottiya Tamilan (கப்பலோட்டிய தமிழன்) "The Tamil Helmsman", was a Tamil political leader.
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.
Read more about V. O. Chidambaram Pillai: Early Life, Arrest and Imprisonment, Later Life, Selected Works, Post-independence Honours, Film Portrayal, Bibliography