NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 5th September recalled the contribution of V O Chidambaram Pillai to the freedom movement and making India self-reliant by setting up the country’s first ‘swadeshi’ steam navigation company during the British Raj in India.

Mr. Pillai, popularly known as VOC, had set up his shipping company Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company in 1905 with the objective of competing against the monopoly of British India Steam Navigation  Company (BISNC).

Recalling V O Chidambaram Pillai’s contribution to India’s freedom fighters and the making of a self-reliant India, the Prime Minister said he is a great inspiration to the people.

“Remembering the visionary V. O. Chidambaram Pillai on his Jayanti. He made pioneering contributions to our freedom movement. He also envisioned a self-reliant India and made key efforts towards it, especially in the ports and shipping sectors. We are deeply inspired by him,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

VO Chidambaram Pillai is credited with launching the first Swadeshi or indigenous shipping service between Tuticorin and Colombo.