Central Theme of Lost Spring

The central theme of the story Lost Spring is "Pitiable Poor children and their lost childhood." The story highlights the struggles and hardships faced by the children of the rag-picker community in Seemapuri, Delhi. The story focuses on how poverty and social inequality deprive these children of their childhood and force them into child labor, leaving them with no opportunity to receive education or live a normal life.

Details of the Theme

The story portrays the miserable living conditions of the rag-picker community and the daily struggles they face just to survive. The children of the community are forced to work from a very young age, collecting garbage and recyclable materials in the scorching heat and unhygienic conditions. They are unable to attend school due to their family's financial situation and are left with no choice but to work and contribute to their family's meager income.

The author describes the children's dreams of a better life, but they remain unfulfilled due to their poverty and social status. The story also highlights the caste system prevalent in India, which further exacerbates the children's plight, as they are born into a lower caste and are discriminated against by society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the central theme of Lost Spring is the pitiable condition of poor children who are robbed of their childhood due to poverty and social inequality. The story portrays the harsh realities of life faced by the rag-picker community in Seemapuri, Delhi, and highlights the urgent need for social reforms to alleviate poverty and provide equal opportunities for all children to receive an education and live a dignified life.