Introduction

Class 12 English syllabus includes a chapter named "Lost Spring" which is written by Anees Jung. The chapter is about the lives of the children who work as ragpickers in Seemapuri, Delhi. It is a heart-wrenching story that highlights the harsh realities of poverty and child labor in India.

Summary

The chapter "Lost Spring" is about the lives of the children who live in Seemapuri, a slum in Delhi. These children work as ragpickers and spend their days sifting through garbage to find recyclable items that they can sell. The author introduces us to a young boy named Saheb who dreams of going to school but is unable to do so due to his family's financial situation.

The chapter also talks about the plight of the Chamars, a community of leather workers who have been trapped in their profession for generations. The Chamars are considered untouchables and face discrimination from the rest of society. The author talks about how the government has provided loans to the Chamars to start their own businesses, but most of them end up being cheated by middlemen.

The chapter ends with the author discussing the lost spring of these children. The children who work as ragpickers will never experience the joys of childhood. They will never get to play, go to school, or live a carefree life. The author talks about how the government and society have failed these children, and how it is our responsibility to help them.

Explanation

The chapter "Lost Spring" is a powerful commentary on the state of poverty and child labor in India. The author uses the lives of the children in Seemapuri to highlight the harsh realities that many children in India face. The chapter is written in a simple yet poignant style that makes it easy for readers to connect with the characters.

The author uses the character of Saheb to show how poverty affects the dreams and aspirations of children. Saheb is a bright and intelligent boy who dreams of going to school, but his family's financial situation prevents him from doing so. The author's description of Saheb's daily life as a ragpicker is heartbreaking and makes the reader empathize with him.

The author also talks about the Chamars, a community of leather workers who have been trapped in their profession for generations. The Chamars face discrimination from the rest of society and are unable to escape their profession. The author's discussion of the government's efforts to help the Chamars is a commentary on the failure of these efforts. The government's loans to the Chamars have done little to improve their lives, and most of them end up being cheated by middlemen.

The chapter ends with the author talking about the lost spring of these children. The term "lost spring" refers to the childhood that these children will never experience. These children will never get to play, go to school, or live a carefree life. The author's discussion of the government and society's failure to help these children is a call to action for readers. It is our responsibility to help these children and ensure that they get the childhood that they deserve.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the chapter "Lost Spring" is a powerful commentary on the state of poverty and child labor in India. The author's use of simple yet poignant language makes it easy for readers to connect with the characters and empathize with their plight. The