114.The Story of Akola Jail:

P.P.Doctorjee often participated in “Satyagraha” movements against the British regime, in his individual capacity. [In such periods he handed over his responsibilities of Sangha to some capable swayamsevak]. 

In one such Satyagraha, P.P.Doctorjee was joined by many others. One day, they all were upset with the jailor for some reason. Even though P.P.Doctorjee thought that their reasons for being upset were rather flimsy, he cooperated with them. All had resolved to keep silent and turn their faces away, if the jailor tried to speak with them. 

As soon as he tried to talk to the jailed people next day, the jailor found out that they had decided to cut him off. He too became angry and he drastically cut off all their privileges. All visits from friends and relatives were to be strictly non-political and only for 5 minutes per regulations. Many family members went home feeling insulted; all flow of information to the jailed inmates dried up. The situation had reached an impasse. Neither the jailor nor the inmates liked this state of affairs, but both were too proud to make the first reconciliatory move. Both the jailor and inmates were Indians, and everyone knew everybody else well. 

P.P.Doctorjee was waiting for a chance to break this meaningless egotistic contest among Indians over non-issues. To him, the oppressive British regime was the issue – it had to go!

One day, Barrister Vishwanath Rao Kelkar came to visit P.P.Doctorjee in jail. The jailor warned P.P.Doctorjee to keep the talk to family matters only and the visit too was only for 5 minutes. 

P.P.Doctorjee, with his ever-present disarming smile, said: “Dear sir, you know I have been to jail under your jurisdiction many times. You yourselves have taught me these regulations. I remember them well!”

When Barrister Kelkar came, P.P.Doctorjee made it a point to introduce the jailor as a very nice person, to him. Barrister Kelkar was a very famous advocate; his social standing was one of great wealth and privilege. The jailor felt honored to be introduced to him.

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