Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on Friday paid tribute to freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar, popularly known as “Kappalottiya Tamizhan”, on his birth anniversary.
In a message, the Chief Minister said Chidambaranar fought with unmatched courage and sacrifice, and helped sow the spirit of Swadeshi among the people. He noted that Chidambaranar stressed the need for not just political freedom from the British, but also economic freedom.
Vijay recalled that Chidambaranar launched the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company, which he said boosted Indians’ self-confidence and self-reliance. He also highlighted Chidambaranar’s role in leading struggles for workers’ rights.
DMK president M.K. Stalin, in his tribute, described Chidambaranar as a multi-faceted personality, citing his role in the freedom movement, his efforts against the British through shipping, and his contributions to literature and translation. Stalin said several initiatives were taken over the last five years to take Chidambaranar’s life and work to the public, and that a memorial for the 1908 Tirunelveli uprising had also been announced.
Stalin urged the present government to ensure the memorial is not dropped and is implemented, on the occasion of Chidambaranar’s birth anniversary.
