V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, also known as VOC and Sekkizhutha Chemmal, endured severe hardships during his four-year prison term from 1908 to 1912. Initially forced to spin coir, a British jailer named Mitchell shifted him to pulling an oil press, a brutal task usually done by bulls. Fellow prisoners helped him by sharing the load and bringing food when officers were away. VOC was jailed for sedition and sentenced to life transportation, later reduced to four years. His imprisonment coincided with the collapse of his Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company, which he had started to challenge British trade dominance. From jail, VOC urged shareholders to work patriotically, calling the company a 'temple of our sweet Bharat Mata and dharma.' He also fought for prisoners' rights and exposed prison officials who suppressed information about sentence reductions. VOC’s autobiography, written secretly as poems, offers an authentic look into his jail life. The book, 'Kelatha Kathai' by Kurusamy Mayilvaganan, uses simple language to bring his story alive. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin praised the book, highlighting VOC’s sacrifice reflected in the coarse prison clothes he wore compared to his former elegant attire. VOC remained open about his caste but opposed caste oppression. His life story inspires patriotism and highlights the sufferings of freedom fighters in colonial India.