मेरा आजीवन कारावास / माझी जन्मठेप (स्वातंत्र्यवीर सावरकर - काले पानी का ऐतिहासिक संस्मरण)

CHAPTER XIV
The Coronation Ceremony of 1911 and its shadow on
the prison-in the Andamans
As narrated in the previous chapter, the publication of Mr. Hotilal's letter by The
Bengali created a flutter in the official dovecotes. In the wake of that stir and excitement
was created an atmosphere of sudden hope in the prison at Andamans. A thick rumour
was abroad that all political prisoners, including myself, would be released in a month or
two after the Coronation Durbar at Delhi to follow the King-Emperor's Coronation in
London. The date given was December 1911.
The hope of release
In the days of famine, thousands of starving population turn into beggars for food, and
their minds alternate between hope and fear when corn comes for distribution among
them. Every one hopes that he shall have his share of the corn at the same time that he
fears and trembles that the corn will be spent up by the time his turn comes to have his
own share and, perhaps, he shall have to go without it, and a struggle ensues for securing
one's share before every one else. So was it with us in that prison since we had heard the
news of that Durbar. The word most common in those days with us was 'Jubilee was
coming', the' inference being that either release or remittance of sentence was sure to
come along with it. The news soon spread all over the settlement and every prisoner's
face was bright with hope. Each prisoner was now in a flattering mood as he knew that if
his number was to come in the list of prisoners recommended for release, he must no
more be sulky with those with whom rested his recommendation or otherwise. For after
all good conduct was the test, and to certify good conduct remained entirely in the hands
of the jailor and other Officers associated with him in the management and supervision of
the jail. So the prisoners were bent, in these days, on doing their work smoothly while the
Officers were determined on exacting as much work from them as they could. If any
prisoner demurred, the plea was put forward in the following words, "Brother, remember
there are few days now for you to stay here. Your name and number are already being
sent forward." In this sanguine state of mind, the cry of Jubilee coming made the life of
the prisoner full of joy for a month or two afterwards. Hope springs eternal in the human
breast. Those who were transported for life and who had, therefore, no hope whatever of
returning to their homes as free men, could expect release only if something impossible
were to happen.