At a function held at Vandiyur Amma Ground in Madurai, the foundation stone was laid for the installation of a 140-foot-tall statue of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar at a private college campus in Kappalur, Madurai. India’s Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan performed the foundation ceremony and emphasized that the life and sacrifice of V.O.C. must stand as a guiding example for future generations.
Key Highlights of the Event:
Vandiyur Amma Ground in Madurai, private college campus at Kappalur, Coimbatore Central Prison, freedom memorial sites across Tamil Nadu
Installation of a 140-foot statue, foundation stone ceremony, participation of public and dignitaries, gathering of political and cultural leaders
Effort to carry forward the legacy of the freedom movement to the younger generation, promotion of patriotism, tribute to national martyrs, institutional social responsibility
Born in an agricultural family and rose to become a lawyer, endured severe prison torture, manually pulled the oil press in jail, received minimal reception upon release
The event was attended by BJP State President Nainar Nagenthran, Union Minister of State for Information Technology L. Murugan, Puthiya Needhi Katchi leader A.C. Shanmugam, and actors Sundar C and Vijayakumar, among others.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President said, “V.O. Chidambaranar was a leader who lived and sacrificed without any expectation of personal gain. The punishment he endured in prison was among the harshest ever inflicted. By pulling the oil press with his own hands, a task meant for bullocks, he demonstrated the highest form of patriotism.”
He further noted that only two individuals came to receive V.O.C. upon his release from prison, describing it as a painful chapter in history. “There is no force greater than righteousness in this world; dharma will ultimately prevail. I urge everyone to visit the Coimbatore prison and witness the oil press pulled by V.O.C.,” he said.
Born into a farming family at a time when higher education was uncommon, V.O. Chidambaranar pursued law and served as an advocate, symbolizing determination and selfless sacrifice in India’s freedom struggle.
Officials stated that the proposed statue would stand as a lasting tribute to V.O.C.’s patriotism and inspire generations to uphold the values of sacrifice and national service.
