Valliappan Olaganathan Chidambaram Pillai (1872–1936), popularly known by his initials, V.O.C.also known as ‘Kappalottiya Tamilan’ and ‘Chekkiluththa Chemmal’ was a Tamil freedom fighter and a political leader. He launched the first aboriginal Indian shipping service the ‘Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company’ between Tuticorin and Colombo competing against the British ships. He has charged with sedition by the British government and was sentenced to two life imprisonments (in effect 40 years). He was confined in the Central Prison, Coimbatore (from 9th July 1908 to 1st December 1910).
He was finally released on 12 December 1912. But unfortunately, the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company was liquidated in 1911 itself and his ships were auctioned to the British. Post his release he separated himself from the Indian National Congress due to some difference of Opinion with Mahatma Gandhiji. H concentrated on establishing trade unions in Madras and wrote many books and poems. He died at the age of 64, 18th November 1936.
Today, to commemorate and honour his 145th birthday special celebrations were arranged at the Coimbatore Prison, where he has put to numerous tortures by the British. The Oil Press, ‘Chekku’ he pulled was also kept for display. Cultural programmes were staged at the Prison and the Prison Officials along with the family members of VOC gave floral respect to his ’Chekku’ and his ’Cell’. The prisoners were taken to his cell and were explained about his life at prison and the tortures he underwent for the freedom moment..
Several organisations who were present at the ceremony urged that the ‘Chekku’ should be kept for a public display and the people should be allowed to see the Cell on this special day, every year. The Jail Officials remarked that ‘the cultural programmes showcased are created to change the minds of the offenders in the prison and to lead a harmless life post-release’.