V.O. Chidambaram Pillai (1872–1936) was a pioneering freedom fighter, entrepreneur, and social reformer who challenged British monopoly in maritime trade. He founded the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company in 1906 to compete against British ships, encouraging self-reliance in trade and industry.

Pillai played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement by actively participating in the Swadeshi movement. His efforts to promote indigenous business were met with severe repression from the British. He was arrested, tortured, and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment, where he had to perform hard labor. Despite his hardships, he remained dedicated to India’s freedom. Today, he is celebrated as a visionary leader and an economic patriot whose contributions laid the foundation for India’s self-reliant industries.