All questions of Lost Spring for Class 12 Exam

Saheb was a poor rag picker of Seemapuri who had migrated from Dhaka as storms swept away their home and fields. His complete name was "Saheb-e-Alam" meaning the lord of the universe. He used to do rag picking to earn his living. Later in the story he got employed at a tea stall to earn money.

Seemapuri is a place on the outskirts of East Delhi where 10000 ragpickers and their families live. The people living there are squatters who migrated from Bangladesh in 1971.

Seemapuri means rag-picking. Through the years, it has acquired the proportions of a fine art. Garbage to them is gold. It is their daily bread, a roof over their heads, even if it is a leaking roof. But for a child it is even more.

Lost Spring(Anees Jung strives) is an excerpt from Flamingo book of the Alphonse Daudet. The author here is analyzing the poor conditions and traditions that push children to live a life of exploitation. They are also denied education and face hardships quite early in their lives. The writer comes across Saheb – a rag picker whose parents have left Dhaka and their life of poverty to earn a living in Delhi.

This extract has been taken from ‘Lost Spring’.

The bangle makers of Firozabad in ‘Lost Spring’ fear that the police would put them in jail, so they accept their exploitation, and do not organise themselves into co-operatives. It is only when we are able to overcome our fear, that we can step ahead and progress in life.

Coins

The theme of the chapter is about perpetual poverty of certain groups of people and the traditions which make poor children live a life of exploitation.

Meaning of Saheb-e-Alam

Saheb-e-Alam is a Persian term that translates to "Lord of the Universe" in English. It is often used to refer to Allah, the Almighty, in Islamic culture.

Explanation

Saheb-e-Alam is a compound word consisting of two parts: Saheb and Alam. Saheb means "lord" or "master," and Alam means "universe" or "world." Therefore, Saheb-e-Alam means "Lord of the Universe."

The term is used in Islamic literature to refer to Allah, the Almighty, who is considered the creator and sustainer of the universe. In Islamic beliefs, Allah is the only true God, and he is the all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-merciful.

The term Saheb-e-Alam is often used in Islamic poetry, hymns, and religious texts to praise Allah's greatness, power, and glory. It is a reminder of the omnipotence and omnipresence of Allah, who rules over the entire universe and everything in it.

Conclusion

In Islamic culture, Saheb-e-Alam is a term used to refer to Allah, the Almighty, who is the Lord of the Universe. It is a reminder of Allah's power, glory, and greatness, and is often used in Islamic literature to praise him.

Old and torn means Tattered.

Explanation:

Saheb, the protagonist of the story "The Last Lesson", was forced to become a ragpicker due to acute poverty. The following points explain the reasons behind this:

Family background: Saheb hailed from a poor family who struggled to make ends meet. His father was a sickly man who could not provide for the family. Saheb's mother worked as a maid in the houses of the affluent to earn a living. Despite their efforts, the family barely managed to survive.

Limited education: Saheb had limited access to education due to financial constraints. He had to drop out of school and start working to support his family. This limited his career prospects, and he had to settle for odd jobs to earn a living.

Lack of opportunities: Saheb's limited education and lack of skills left him with few job opportunities. He had to resort to menial jobs like ragpicking to earn a livelihood. This was not his choice but a necessity to provide for his family.

Peer pressure: Saheb's peers were also from similar backgrounds, and many of them were also ragpickers. This peer pressure forced Saheb to follow suit and become a ragpicker.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Saheb's poverty, limited education, lack of opportunities, and peer pressure forced him to become a ragpicker. It highlights the harsh reality of the lives of the underprivileged in society and the need for equal access to education and opportunities for all.

Abound means Plenty here.

Firozabad, located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is famous for its bangles. The city has a rich history of bangle-making, dating back to the Mughal era. The bangles made in Firozabad are known for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and durability. They are exported to various countries, including the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.

Reasons for Firozabad's fame for bangles:

Traditional skills: Firozabad is home to skilled artisans who have been making bangles for generations. These artisans use traditional techniques to create stunning designs on bangles.

Availability of raw materials: Firozabad is located near the city of Kanpur, which is known for its leather industry. Leather is used to make the bangle base, which is then decorated with glass, metal, or plastic.

Market demand: Firozabad's bangles are in high demand both locally and globally. The city has a thriving bangle market, where buyers can choose from a wide range of designs and colors.

Tourism: Firozabad's bangle industry attracts tourists from all over the world. Visitors can witness the bangle-making process, interact with the artisans, and purchase bangles as souvenirs.

In conclusion, Firozabad's fame for bangles is due to its skilled artisans, availability of raw materials, market demand, and tourism. The city's bangles are not only a symbol of its rich cultural heritage but also a major contributor to its economy.

“Survival in Seemapuri means rag-picking.” Seemapuri is a place in the outskirts of Delhi. The rag-pickers scrooge gold in the garbage dumps. For the children garbage is wrapped in wonder and for the elders, it is a means of survival. A group of women say that they pitch their tents, where they find food.

The theme of the chapter is the grinding poverty and the traditions which condemn poor children to a life of exploitation. The two stories taken together depict the plight of street children forced into labour early in life and denied the opportunity of schooling.

Garbage is gold to the ragpickers of Seemapuri because it provides them items which can be sold for cash, which can buy them food and is a means of survival. Moreover, it is gold also because the ragpickers can find stray coins and currency notes in it.

Explanation:
The XII Schedule of the Constitution of India lists the functions that are within the purview of municipalities. Let's analyze each statement and see if it falls under the purview of municipalities.

1. Fire services:
Fire services are responsible for preventing and mitigating fire-related incidents. This includes fire prevention, fire safety inspections, fire suppression, and emergency response. Fire services are crucial for public safety and fall under the purview of municipalities. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.

2. Safeguarding the interest of weaker sections of society:
Safeguarding the interest of weaker sections of society involves ensuring social justice, equality, and protection for marginalized and vulnerable communities. This may include initiatives for the welfare and empowerment of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, backward classes, and other disadvantaged groups. Municipalities play a vital role in implementing social welfare schemes and programs that cater to the needs of weaker sections. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

3. Conservancy:
Conservancy refers to the management and disposal of waste, sewage, and sanitation services. It includes activities such as waste collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal, as well as the maintenance of public toilets and sanitation facilities. Municipalities are responsible for providing and maintaining these essential services to ensure cleanliness and public health. Therefore, statement 3 is correct.

Conclusion:
All three statements are correct as fire services, safeguarding the interest of weaker sections of society, and conservancy all fall within the purview of municipalities. Hence, the correct answer is option D - All of them.

Firozabad is engaged in making bangles. It is the centre of India’s glass-blowing industry where families have spent generations working around furnaces, welding glass, making bangles for all the women in the land it seems.

Understanding the Extract:
The given extract talks about how garbage, usually considered worthless, holds great value for some people. It mentions that for them, garbage is like gold as it provides them with their daily necessities, such as food, shelter, and even a meager roof over their heads.

Identifying 'it':
In this context, 'it' refers to the job of rag picking. Rag pickers are individuals who collect and sort through garbage to find items of value that can be recycled or sold. For these individuals, garbage is not just waste but a means of survival and livelihood.

Explanation:
- Rag picking involves collecting recyclable materials, such as plastic, paper, and metal, from the garbage.
- Rag pickers sell these items to recycling centers or scrap dealers in exchange for money.
- For many rag pickers, this job is their primary source of income and provides them with the basic necessities of life.
- Despite the challenging and unhygienic nature of the work, rag pickers play a crucial role in waste management and environmental sustainability by reducing landfill waste and promoting recycling.
In conclusion, 'it' in the given extract refers to the job of rag picking, which is portrayed as a valuable and essential occupation for those who rely on garbage for their livelihood. The extract sheds light on the significance of this often-overlooked profession and the role of rag pickers in managing waste and contributing to a cleaner environment.

The change that occurs in Saheb's life is that he started working at a tea stall. He was paid 800 Rupees and all his meals were also taken care of but he had lost his freedom. The steel canister seemed heavier than the plastic bag he used to carry. He had to obey the owner of the tea stall and hence he was no longer his own master like he was at the rag-picking job. Hence we can conclude that though the change had some benefits, it was not a change for the better.

Saheb had left rag picking and he took up a job at a nearby tea-stall. He was not happy working at the tea stall because he had lost the freedom of working at his own terms. So, he lost his 'carefree look'. Even though he earned 800 rupees and all his meals, he was less contented than before.

People migrate from villages to cities in search of livelihood. Their fields fail to provide them means of survival. Cities provide employment, jobs or other means of getting food. The problem in case of the poor is to feed the hungry members.

Seemapuri symbol as a little hell. Seemapuri, a place on the periphery of Delhi yet miles away from it, metaphorically.

Saheb was looking for money in garbage dumps. The reasons why he was doing so are not explicitly stated in the text, but it can be inferred from the context. The following are some reasons why Saheb might have gone through garbage dumps:

Financial difficulties
- Saheb might have been going through financial difficulties and had no other means of earning money. He might have resorted to scavenging through garbage dumps to find money to sustain himself and his family.

Desperation
- Saheb might have been desperate to find money for a particular purpose, such as buying medicine for a sick family member, paying for his education, or paying off a debt. He might have felt that scavenging through garbage dumps was his only option.

Hope
- Saheb might have heard stories of people finding valuable items in garbage dumps and hoped to strike it lucky himself. He might have believed that he could find a silver coin, a rupee, or a ten rupee note in the garbage.

Determination
- Saheb might have been determined to improve his financial situation and was willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goal. He might have seen scavenging through garbage dumps as a way to earn money and improve his life.

In conclusion, Saheb might have gone through garbage dumps for different reasons, including financial difficulties, desperation, hope, and determination.

The poor condition of bangle makers in Firozabad is the result of the combined negligence of parents, society and bureaucrats. Let's understand each factor in detail:

Parents:
- Many parents in Firozabad are bangle makers themselves, and they often involve their children in the same work to earn more income.
- Due to lack of awareness and education, they do not realize the harmful effects of child labor on their children's health and future prospects.
- They prioritize immediate financial needs over their children's education and development.

Society:
- The society in Firozabad has normalized child labor and considers it as a way of life.
- They do not raise their voices against the exploitation of bangle makers, nor do they demand proper working conditions and wages for them.
- There is a lack of social awareness and responsibility towards the welfare of the bangle makers.

Bureaucrats:
- The government has failed to implement and enforce laws against child labor in Firozabad.
- The local authorities have not taken any significant steps to provide better working conditions and wages for bangle makers.
- Corruption and bureaucratic hurdles have made it difficult for bangle makers to avail benefits of government schemes and programs.

Conclusion:
The poor condition of bangle makers in Firozabad is a result of the collective failure of parents, society and bureaucrats. It is crucial to raise awareness, implement laws, and provide better working conditions and education to break the cycle of poverty and exploitation.

Every other family in Firozabad is engaged in the business of making bangles. Firozabad is a centre of India's glass-blowing industry. Since generations the families are working around furnaces, welding glass and making bangles for all the women on the land. The bangles are symbolised as woman's Suhag.

These lines were used by Saheb.

Family members of Saheb. Saheb left his home long ago. Set amidst the green fields of Dhaka, his home is not even a distant memory. There were many storms that swept away their fields and homes, his mother tells him. That’s why they left, looking for gold in the big city where he now lives.

Determined: Having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it.

The Glassblowing Industry in Firozabad

Firozabad is a city located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its glassblowing industry, which has been a major contributor to the city's economy for centuries. Here are some key points about the glassblowing industry in Firozabad:

History of Glassblowing in Firozabad
- The glassblowing industry in Firozabad dates back to the 18th century.
- The city was founded by a Mughal emperor named Akbar, who encouraged artisans to settle there and practice their crafts.
- The first glass factory in Firozabad was established in 1750 by a man named Mirza Kajim Husain.

Current State of the Industry
- Today, Firozabad is home to over 500 glass factories that employ thousands of workers.
- The industry produces a wide range of glass products, including bangles, lamps, bottles, and other decorative items.
- Firozabad's glass products are exported all over the world, particularly to the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.

Challenges Facing the Industry
- The glassblowing industry in Firozabad faces several challenges, including competition from cheaper, mass-produced glass products from China.
- Additionally, the industry has been criticized for its poor working conditions, including low wages, long hours, and unsafe working environments.
- Some efforts have been made to improve conditions for workers in the industry, such as the introduction of labor laws and the formation of workers' unions.

Conclusion
Overall, the glassblowing industry is a vital part of Firozabad's economy and cultural heritage. However, there are still many challenges facing the industry, particularly in terms of workers' rights and competition from other countries.

Garbage as a Means of Survival for Parents

The author of the passage suggests that garbage was a means of survival for their parents. This can be seen through various examples and descriptions in the passage:

1. Collecting and Selling Garbage: The author's parents collected and sold garbage as a means of making a living. They would pick through garbage cans and dumpsters to find items that could be sold or recycled. This was their primary source of income.

2. Making Use of Discarded Items: In addition to selling garbage, the author's parents also made use of discarded items for their own needs. For example, they would collect discarded furniture and appliances and repair them for their own use.

3. Lack of Other Options: The author suggests that their parents turned to collecting and selling garbage out of necessity. They did not have access to other means of making a living and had to rely on what they could find in the garbage.

Overall, the author portrays garbage as a means of survival for their parents. It was not a source of joy or entertainment, but a necessary means of making a living and meeting their basic needs.

Anees Jung saw a noticeable change in Saheb when she saw him standing by the gate of the neighbourhood club. The change in him can be summarized as follows:

Lost Freedom
Saheb had lost his freedom and was no longer his own person. He was now working as a domestic help for the club members and had to follow their orders. This was evident from the fact that he was standing at the gate waiting for them to call him in.

Lost Ownership
Saheb had also lost ownership of his life. He was now dependent on the club members for his livelihood and had to live by their rules. He was no longer in control of his own life and had to do what he was told.

Lost Joy
Anees Jung also saw that Saheb had lost his joy in life. He was no longer the carefree boy she had known before. His face was now expressionless and he looked like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. The job at the club had taken a toll on him and he had lost the happiness that he used to radiate.

All of these
In summary, Anees Jung saw that Saheb had lost his freedom, ownership, and joy in life. He was no longer the same person she had known before and had been transformed by the job at the club.

Saheb hails from Dhaka and he has migrated from Bangladesh in 1971. His house and green fields were destroyed by storm. Their poverty forced them to migrate but Saheb does not have even a faint memory of his original home.

Identification of 'I'

The 'I' referred to in the extract is the author of the text. The author is reflecting on a promise made that was not meant, and feeling embarrassed about it.

Explanation

- In the given context, the author is acknowledging the difficulty and time it takes to build a school, contrasting it with the prevalence of promises like the one they made in the character Mukesh's world.
- The author's self-awareness and reflection on their promise highlight a sense of guilt or discomfort about not being able to fulfill it.
- This introspective moment adds depth to the character and provides insight into their thoughts and feelings.

In conclusion, the 'I' in the extract refers to the author, who is reflecting on a promise made and the implications of not being able to fulfill it.

Mukesh wants to be a Motor Mechanic and he dreams of driving a car but his dream is like a Mirage amidst the dust of the streets that fill his town of Firozabad because every other family in Firozabad is engaged in making glass bangles so he is always also doomed to be a bangle maker .

Reasons why they are not willing to go back to their homeland:



1. Lack of means of living: The main reason why the women are not willing to go back to their homeland is the lack of means of living there. They state that if they can feed their families and go to bed without an aching stomach, they would rather live in their current location than in the fields that provided them with no grain. This suggests that their homeland does not offer them sufficient opportunities for livelihood and sustenance.

2. Economic constraints: The mention of tattered saris implies that these women come from a financially disadvantaged background. Returning to their homeland would mean facing the same economic challenges and struggles they left behind. They have likely found better economic opportunities in their current location and are reluctant to give them up.

3. Lack of agricultural productivity: The mention of "fields that gave us no grain" suggests that their homeland is not agriculturally productive. This could be due to various factors such as infertile soil, lack of irrigation facilities, or unfavorable climatic conditions. Without a steady supply of raw materials, it becomes difficult for the people to sustain themselves and earn a livelihood.

4. Improved living conditions: The women's statement indicates that their current location provides them with better living conditions compared to their homeland. They prioritize being able to provide for their families and avoid hunger over the beauty of their homeland. This implies that their homeland may lack basic amenities, infrastructure, and opportunities for growth and development.

5. Migration for survival: The fact that these women have left their beautiful land of green fields and rivers suggests that they have migrated in search of better opportunities and a chance at a better life. They have made a conscious choice to leave their homeland and are not willing to go back due to the unfavorable conditions they experienced there.

In summary, the women are not willing to go back to their homeland primarily because they have found better means of living, economic opportunities, and improved living conditions in their current location. The lack of means of living, economic constraints, lack of agricultural productivity, and the decision to migrate for survival are some of the key reasons behind their reluctance to return.

Saheb left his house because the storm swept away his house and field. This event is mentioned in the context of a story or a novel, where the character of Saheb is introduced.

Explanation:

The reason for Saheb leaving his house is given explicitly in the question stem. However, to understand the context and significance of this event, we need to analyze the story or novel in which Saheb appears as a character.

Possible analysis:

- Saheb's background: We need to know who Saheb is, where he lived, what his family was like, what his aspirations and dreams were, etc. This information can be obtained from the text. For example, Saheb could be a poor farmer living in a remote village, struggling to make ends meet, but hoping to educate his children and improve his life.
- The storm: We need to know what kind of storm it was, how severe it was, how it affected Saheb's house and field, etc. This information can also be obtained from the text. For example, the storm could be a cyclone or a flood that destroyed everything in its path, leaving Saheb and his family homeless and helpless.
- Saheb's decision: We need to know why Saheb decided to leave his house instead of rebuilding it or staying with his neighbors. This information may or may not be given explicitly in the text, but we can infer some possible reasons. For example, Saheb may have realized that his house and field were in a vulnerable location, prone to natural disasters, and that he needed to move to a safer place. Or, Saheb may have lost faith in his ability to cope with such calamities and decided to give up his old life and start anew.
- The consequences: We need to know what happened to Saheb after he left his house, whether he succeeded or failed in his new venture, whether he found happiness or misery, etc. This information may or may not be given explicitly in the text, but we can speculate some possible outcomes. For example, Saheb may have joined a group of migrant workers and traveled to a big city to find work, where he faced many challenges and hardships but also discovered new opportunities and friendships. Or, Saheb may have wandered aimlessly from place to place, feeling lost and lonely, until he realized that he missed his old home and family and decided to return.

Conclusion:

In summary, the reason why Saheb left his house is only a small fragment of a larger story or novel, which requires more information and analysis to fully understand. The purpose of this question may be to test the student's ability to interpret literary texts, to identify key plot points, and to draw logical conclusions based on textual evidence.

A glass blower is tasked with designing and shaping glass into various shapes and designs, creating handcrafted giftware, stemware, glassware, ornate glass mirrors and windows, sculpture pieces and glass instruments used in laboratories. This is a labour-intensive and niche occupation.

They are devoid of sewage, drainage or running water. They live without an identity except a ration card for voting and buying grain. They remain barefoot and garbage to them is gold. The writer asks Saheb, a rag-picker for school.

Answer:

Reiteration

Explanation:

- The term 'reiteration' means to repeat something that has already been said or stated.
- In the given context, the young men are echoing the same lament or complaint that their elders have been voicing for a long time.
- This shows that the situation in Firozabad has not changed over time, and the same problems persist even among the younger generation.
- The word 'lament' means to express grief or sorrow, and the fact that both the elders and the young men are expressing the same sorrowful sentiments highlights the severity of the situation.
- Therefore, the term 'reiteration' best matches the statement 'The young men echo the lament of their elders.'

Mukesh insists on being his own master. His dream is to be a motor mechanic. He wants to drive a car. Considering the conditions in which he lives, his dream looks like a mirage amidst the dust i.e. something that's difficult to be real.

The boy appeared to be a morning bird to the author because whenever she woke up, she saw a young boy searching for something in the garbage. When she had a closer look she came to know that this boy scrapes the waste and gets the recyclables to the concerned people for his living.

Explanation:

Saheb-e-Alam did not go to school because he had no money to pay fees. This is evident from the story "Saheb-e-Alam" by Premchand. Let us look at some of the details from the story:

Background:
Saheb-e-Alam was the son of a poor weaver. His father had died when he was young, leaving the family in a difficult financial situation. Saheb-e-Alam had a desire to study and learn, but he could not afford to go to school.

Financial situation:
Saheb-e-Alam's mother worked hard to earn a meager income by weaving. However, the income was not enough to support the family and pay for Saheb-e-Alam's education. As a result, Saheb-e-Alam had to work as a helper in a tea-shop to earn some money for his family.

Interest in education:
Saheb-e-Alam was interested in education and learning. He would often listen to the conversations of educated people and would try to learn from them. He would also borrow books from his friends and read them whenever he had free time.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Saheb-e-Alam did not go to school because of his family's financial situation. He had a strong desire to learn and educate himself, but circumstances did not allow him to do so. Despite the challenges, he continued to pursue knowledge and learning in his own way.

Saheb's Experience Working at the Tea Stall

Introduction: Saheb is a young man who works at a tea stall. While he earns money from this work, he is not entirely happy with his experience.

Earning: Saheb does earn money from working at the tea stall. This is likely one of the main reasons he continues to work there. However, earning money is not the only factor that contributes to his overall happiness.

Lack of Freedom: One of the main reasons Saheb is not happy working at the tea stall is that he feels he has no freedom. He is often stuck in one place for hours at a time, serving customers and preparing drinks. This lack of mobility and variety in his work can be frustrating.

Monotonous Work: Another factor that contributes to Saheb's dissatisfaction with his work is that it can be monotonous. He often performs the same tasks over and over again, without much variation. This can lead to boredom and a lack of motivation.

Limited Opportunities: Working at a tea stall may not offer many opportunities for growth or advancement. Saheb may feel stuck in his position, with limited opportunities for learning new skills or taking on new responsibilities.

Conclusion: While Saheb does earn money from working at the tea stall, his lack of freedom, monotonous work, and limited opportunities for growth contribute to his overall unhappiness with his job.

Start a school for the less privileged.

The change that occurs in Saheb's life is that he started working at a tea stall. He was paid 800 Rupees and all his meals were also taken care of but he had lost his freedom.

Here ‘I’ refers to Author himself.

Garbage has a different meaning for the rag-picker, for the children garbage is ________?
Garbage holds a different meaning for children compared to rag-pickers. For children, garbage is a surprise.

Explanation:
- Significance of garbage for rag-pickers: Garbage is considered gold for rag-pickers as it provides them with their daily bread and a roof over their heads, even if it may be a leaking roof. They see value in items that others discard.
- Impact on children: For children, garbage holds a different significance. It is not just about survival or earning a living, but it can also be a source of surprise. Children may find unexpected treasures or items of interest in the garbage, which can bring them joy and excitement.
- Symbolism: The contrasting perspectives on garbage highlight the different ways in which individuals perceive and interact with their surroundings. While for some, it may represent hardship and necessity, for others, like children, it can evoke curiosity and wonder.
- Lesson learned: This juxtaposition serves as a reminder of the importance of perspective and how our experiences and circumstances shape our perception of the world around us. It also highlights the resilience and adaptability of individuals in making the most of their circumstances.

One explanation offered by the author is that it is a tradition to stay barefoot. It is not a lack of money. He wonders if this is only an excuse to explain away a perpetual state of poverty.

Years of mind-numbing toil has killed all their drive and the ability to dream. They cannot organize themselves into a cooperative and escape the vicious circle of middleme for fear of the police and due to lack of leadership.