Introduction

In the chapter "Lost Spring" from the CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo textbook, Anees Jung discusses the lives of the children of Seemapuri, a slum in Delhi. She portrays the stark contrast between the two types of worlds that exist within this impoverished community.

Two Types of Worlds

1. The World of the Rich
- The world of the rich is characterized by affluence, privilege, and opportunity.
- These individuals live in posh localities, wear expensive clothes, and have access to quality education and healthcare facilities.
- They enjoy leisure activities, go on vacations, and lead comfortable lives.
- Their children attend prestigious schools and are provided with the best resources and opportunities to succeed in life.
- They have the luxury of dreaming about their future and have the means to pursue their aspirations.
- This world is depicted as a realm of hope, dreams, and possibilities.

2. The World of the Poor
- The world of the poor is characterized by extreme poverty, deprivation, and struggle.
- The inhabitants of Seemapuri live in cramped, unhygienic slums made of jhuggis (huts) where basic amenities like clean water and electricity are scarce.
- The children are forced to work in order to contribute to their family's meager income. They engage in various activities like rag-picking, working in dhabas (roadside eateries), and selling trinkets on the streets.
- These children are denied the right to education and are trapped in a cycle of poverty and exploitation.
- They are deprived of childhood and have to shoulder adult responsibilities from a young age.
- Their dreams are shattered, and they are left with no choice but to accept their fate.
- This world is depicted as a realm of hopelessness, despair, and lost opportunities.

Conclusion

Anees Jung's portrayal of the two types of worlds in "Lost Spring" highlights the stark inequality and social divide that exists within society. The contrast between the privileged world of the rich and the marginalized world of the poor serves as a powerful commentary on the plight of underprivileged children growing up in slums. By shedding light on their harsh realities, Jung urges readers to confront and address the systemic issues that perpetuate such inequality, in the hope of creating a more equitable society.