Differences between Saheb and Mukesh in "Lost Spring" Chapter 2 of NCERT Flamingo, English Class 12

Introduction:
"Lost Spring" is a chapter from the textbook "Flamingo" which is a part of the English Class 12 syllabus prescribed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The chapter focuses on the lives of child laborers living in the slums of Firozabad, India. In this context, two characters, Saheb and Mukesh, are introduced. Although they share some similarities due to their circumstances, there are notable differences between them.

Background:
- Both Saheb and Mukesh come from impoverished backgrounds.
- They belong to the "Chamar" community, which is considered one of the lowest castes in the society.
- They live in the slums of Firozabad, known for its glass-bangle industry.

Differences:

1. Age:
- Saheb is around fourteen years old, while Mukesh is just twelve.
- Saheb's age makes him more experienced and aware of the harsh realities of life.

2. Education:
- Saheb is illiterate and has never attended school.
- In contrast, Mukesh has had some formal education and can read and write to a limited extent.

3. Occupation:
- Saheb works as a ragpicker, sifting through garbage to collect recyclable materials. He earns a meager amount by selling them.
- Mukesh, on the other hand, works in the glass-bangle industry, assisting his father in the process of bangle-making. He is involved in the delicate work of sticking gold or silver foil onto the bangles.

4. Aspirations:
- Saheb has lost all hope for a better future and has resigned himself to the life of poverty and exploitation.
- Mukesh, despite his circumstances, dreams of becoming a motor mechanic and escaping the cycle of poverty. He has aspirations and wants to improve his situation through education.

5. Outlook:
- Saheb has a pessimistic outlook on life and believes that poverty is his destiny.
- Mukesh, on the other hand, has a more optimistic outlook and believes that education can be a way out of poverty.

6. Attitude towards their backgrounds:
- Saheb feels ashamed of his background and tries to hide his identity as a Chamar.
- Mukesh, however, is proud of his family's occupation and caste and sees it as a part of his identity.

Conclusion:
While both Saheb and Mukesh face similar challenges due to poverty and their social background, their age, education, occupation, aspirations, outlook, and attitude towards their background set them apart. These differences highlight the varying perspectives and responses of individuals who are bound by the same circumstances but have unique ways of dealing with them.