the BISNC offered free service. The BISNC, with the help of the British Raj, suppressed the activities of the SSNC by denying it the place and time schedule in the port and delaying the medical and customs clearance of SSNC passengers. In 1908, Pillai was part of a group that planned to celebrate the release of independence advocate Bipin Chandra Pal from prison as Swarajya (self-rule) day. In response, on 12 March 1908, the British arrested Subramania Siva and Pillai on charges of sedition for organising meetings against the government. Pillai was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment (40 years). During his jail term, the British Raj further suppressed the activities of the company, and shareholders withdrew following harassment from the authorities. The SSNC liquidated in 1911, and one of the ships was sold to its rival British company. Impact On 17 June 1911, the collector of Tinnevely District, Robert Ashe, was shot dead at Maniyachchi Junction railway station by Vanchinathan, a member of a secret society. During the trial, it was revealed that Vanchinathan considered Ashe to be responsible for the suppression of the SSNC. In Tamil Nadu, Pillai is remembered as Kapallotiyya Tamilan (the Tamilan who sailed ships). The Government of India changed the name of the Tuticorin Port Trust to the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Trust to honour Pillai's contribution towards the Indian independence movement. References Indian independence movement Defunct shipping companies of India Maritime history of India Indian companies established in 1906 1910s disestablishments in India