Summary of Lesson: NCERT Solutions, Chapter 1 - The Lost Child, Class 9, English

The lesson "The Lost Child" is a short story written by Mulk Raj Anand. It revolves around a young child who gets separated from his parents in a fair. The story highlights the child's journey through various experiences and emotions as he tries to find his parents.

Introduction
The story begins with a young child visiting a fair with his parents. The child is fascinated by the colorful surroundings and gets engrossed in the attractions. In the midst of his excitement, he unknowingly loses his grip on his parents' hands and gets separated from them.

Struggles and Desires
As the child realizes that he is lost, he starts panicking and desperately searches for his parents. He tries to approach different people in the fair, hoping that they might help him find his way back. The child's emotions swing between hope and despair as he encounters various individuals, each with their own concerns and distractions.

Interactions and Lessons
During his search, the lost child interacts with a number of people, including a balloon seller, a gardener, and a group of girls playing with a doll. Each interaction teaches him a valuable lesson about the realities of life. The balloon seller tells him the importance of money, the gardener advises him to stay away from the crowd, and the girls' playful attitude reminds him of the carefree nature of childhood.

Reunion with Parents
After a series of encounters, the child finally spots his parents in the distance. Overwhelmed with joy, he rushes towards them and they embrace him warmly. The story ends on a happy note as the child is reunited with his family.

Conclusion
"The Lost Child" is a tale of innocence, vulnerability, and the universal desire for love and security. It portrays the journey of a lost child who learns important life lessons along the way. The story emphasizes the importance of family and the need for children to be mindful of their surroundings.