The author of Lost Spring is Anees Jung.

Background:
Lost Spring is a chapter from the Class 12 English textbook, Flamingo. It is a non-fictional narrative written by Anees Jung, an Indian author and journalist. The chapter explores the lives of the children living in the slums of Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, who are engaged in the hazardous occupation of glass bangle-making.

About the Author:
Anees Jung was born on November 1, 1944, in Hyderabad, India. She is a well-known writer and journalist who has published several books, including "Unveiling India: A Woman's Journey" and "The Better Man: A Story of Memory and Murder." Jung has also worked as a columnist for leading newspapers in India and has received numerous awards for her literary contributions.

Summary of Lost Spring:
The chapter Lost Spring highlights the harsh realities of poverty and child labor prevailing in Firozabad, a city known for its bangle industry. It revolves around the lives of children who are forced to work in the glass bangle factories instead of attending school. These children face immense exploitation and are deprived of their right to education and a better future.

Key Points:
- The chapter sheds light on the social and economic inequality prevalent in Indian society, where a significant section of the population is trapped in poverty.
- Anees Jung narrates the stories of several children engaged in bangle-making, such as Saheb-e-Alam, Mukesh, and Basant.
- The author emphasizes the loss of childhood among these children, who have become a part of the workforce at a very young age.
- She also discusses the discrimination faced by the lower caste children, known as "untouchables," who are subjected to further injustice and limited opportunities.
- The chapter highlights the importance of education and the need for social reforms to break the cycle of poverty and child labor.

In conclusion, Anees Jung is the author of Lost Spring, a thought-provoking chapter that brings attention to the struggles and aspirations of the impoverished children in Firozabad. Her narrative provides a powerful insight into the harsh realities faced by these children and advocates for social change.