Foreword by Dr. H.V. Hande, Former Minister of Health, Government of Tamil Nadu
By Dr. H. V. Hande
History, in its grandeur, often shines its light on a select few. Yet, the soul of India’s freedom struggle is incomplete without acknowledging the countless bravehearts who fought valiantly but remained underrepresented in mainstream narratives. One such hero is V.O. Chidambaram Pillai—the indomitable spirit from Tamil Nadu who dared to challenge the might of the British Empire with his intellect, courage, and enterprise.
In his latest literary masterpiece, Dr. J.S. Rajkumar, acclaimed author and surgeon, revives the life and legacy of V.O.C. with remarkable depth, emotion, and clarity. Chronicling VOC’s journey from his birth in 1872 to his final days in 1936 at Tuticorin, this book is far more than a biography—it is a resurrection of a forgotten flame.
Dr. H. V. Hande
A Life of Service in Medicine and Public Affairs
Dr. H. V. Hande, born on 28 November 1927, is a distinguished Indian medical practitioner and seasoned political figure. Fondly referred to as the “ever genial Mangalorean” due to his ancestral roots in Mangalore, Dr. Hande has seamlessly bridged the worlds of healthcare and public service for decades.
He began his political journey with the Swatantra Party and was elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from the Park Town constituency in both 1967 and 1971. In the politically charged 1980 elections, he contested from Anna Nagar under the AIADMK banner, narrowly losing to M. Karunanidhi by just 699 votes. Later, in 2006, he stood again from Anna Nagar, this time representing the Bharatiya Janata Party. In 2004, he served as a member of the BJP’s National Council, marking his enduring engagement in national politics.
Beyond politics, Dr. Hande is also a prolific author, having penned insightful works on the Ramayana, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, and various other historical and philosophical topics. His commitment to public health led to the establishment of Hande Hospitals in Shenoy Nagar, Chennai, in 1984—a trusted institution that continues to serve the community.
Dr. Hande’s legacy stands as a testament to a life dedicated to healing, learning, and civic contribution.
An Outstanding Work of Patriotism and Scholarship
In his moving foreword, Dr. H.V. Hande, a respected statesman and former Health Minister of Tamil Nadu, praises this work as an “outstanding piece of historical literature.” He notes:
“Though there have been quite a few books on V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, none have given the plethora of details of the life and struggle of the ‘hero’ of this book, as Dr. J. S. Rajkumar has done.”
The book offers a vivid account of VOC’s personal and political journey, particularly his collaborations with legendary contemporaries such as Mahakavi Subramania Bharathi and Subramania Siva. It paints not only a picture of a man but also the revolutionary ecosystem that shaped India’s early freedom movement in the South.This quote resonates profoundly with VOC’s journey, as captured in these pages.
More Than a Writer—A Missionary of Nationalism
Dr. Rajkumar is no stranger to historical storytelling. With a growing body of work dedicated to lesser-known Tamil freedom fighters, he has carved a niche for himself as a torchbearer of regional patriotism. What sets him apart, however, is his mission-driven approach.
As Dr. Hande writes:
“Dr. Rajkumar, with his indefatigable energy and devotion to the Nation, has already gone around the country and lectured to nearly 150,000 young minds… Probably, his target is a ‘Million Minds’!”
This book is just one piece of a larger puzzle—a nationwide movement to educate, inspire, and awaken the next generation to India’s glorious yet often overlooked past.
A Gift to Mankind
In a heartfelt conclusion, Dr. Hande offers perhaps the highest praise:
“The young author of this magnificent book, my good friend Dr. J. S. Rajkumar, is a gift of GOD to mankind.”
In today’s world of fleeting trends and forgotten roots, such a statement is not just endorsement—it’s a testament to the impact that Dr. Rajkumar continues to make through his unwavering dedication to India’s unsung heroes.
Dr. H. V. Hande
FORMER MINISTER OF HEALTH
GOVERNMENT OF TAMILNADU
44, LAKSHMI TALKIES ROAD,
SHENOY NAGAR,
CHENNAI – 600 030.
Mobile : 98400 27891
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FOREWORD
Dr. J. S. Rajkumar’s latest book, chronicling details of the life of the great Freedom fighter, immortal V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, from his birth in 1872, till he passed away on 18th November 1936 at Tuticorin, is, indeed, an outstanding work.
Dr Rajkumar has already written and published quite a number of good books, in his inimitable style, on the life history of a number of Freedom fighters hailing from Tamilnadu, who have not been adequately recognised, at the National level!
In his latest book, Dr. J. S. Rajkumar gives a detailed account of the immortal V. O. Chidambaram Pillai’s interaction with his contemporary freedom fighters, like Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi, Subrammania Siva and others.
Though there have been quite a few books on V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, none of them have given the plethora of details of the life and struggle of the ‘hero’ of this book, as Dr. J. S. Rajkumar has done.
Apart from writing several good books, on the lives of Southern Freedom fighters, Dr. Rajkumar, with his indefatigable energy and devotion to the Nation, has already gone around the country and lectured to nearly 150,000 young minds, regarding the Freedom Struggle of India during the bygone Centuries. Probably, his target is, a ‘Million minds’!
In sum, I can only say, that the young author of this magnificent book, my good friend Dr. J. S. Rajkumar is a gift of GOD to mankind.
H. V. Hande
