Page 1 – Index
1. Introduction
2. About the Author
3. Summary of the Lesson
4. Themes & Messages
5. Action Plan
6. Characters / People Mentioned
7. Conclusion & Bibliography
---
Page 2 – Introduction
The lesson Lost Spring is an extract from Anees Jung’s book Lost Spring:
Stories of Stolen Childhood. It throws light on the miserable condition of
underprivileged children in India who are denied education and forced to live
a life of poverty and exploitation. Childhood is universally considered a
period of happiness, innocence, dreams, and play. However, for children like
Saheb and Mukesh, childhood is lost in the harsh realities of ragpicking,
glass-blowing, and endless labor.
Through vivid descriptions, Jung presents the contrast between what
childhood should be and what it becomes for millions of poor children in
India. The text is not just a narration of two boys’ lives but a representation
of thousands of invisible children trapped in the same cycle. The lesson
makes us reflect on our responsibility towards eradicating child labor and
ensuring equal opportunities for all.
---
Page 3 – About the Author (Anees Jung)
Anees Jung was born in 1944 in Hyderabad, India. She is a well-known
author, journalist, and columnist who writes extensively on issues of social
justice, women’s empowerment, and poverty. Coming from a family of
scholars and writers, she inherited a keen sense of observation and empathy
for the marginalized sections of society.
Her most influential work is Lost Spring: Stories of Stolen Childhood, from
which the lesson Lost Spring is taken. In this collection, she documents real-
life stories of poor children across India whose childhood has been stolen by
hunger, poverty, and exploitation.
Jung’s writing style is simple, sensitive, and journalistic, yet it carries deep
emotional impact. She combines storytelling with social critique, thereby
making readers not only sympathize with the poor but also feel responsible
for their upliftment.
---
Page 4 – Summary of the Lesson
The lesson is divided into two sections:
1. “Sometimes I find a rupee in the garbage”
This section tells the story of Saheb-e-Alam, a ragpicker boy living in
Seemapuri, a settlement on the outskirts of Delhi. His family migrated from
Dhaka in search of a better life but ended up in abject poverty. For Saheb
and other children, garbage is their source of survival, sometimes yielding a
coin or treasure. Saheb once dreamt of going to school, but circumstances
never allowed him. Later, he takes up work at a tea stall where he is paid a
small salary, but ironically he loses his freedom and joy.
2. “I want to drive a car”
This section describes Mukesh, a boy from Firozabad, famous for its glass-
bangle industry. His family, like thousands of others, is trapped in the
traditional occupation of bangle-making. These children work in dark,
unhygienic conditions, which affect their eyesight and health. Unlike Saheb,
Mukesh dares to dream of breaking free. He aspires to become a motor
mechanic and learn to drive a car. His determination represents hope amidst
despair.
---
Page 5 – Themes & Messages
Childhood Lost to Poverty: Instead of education and play, poor children are
forced into labor.
Cycle of Poverty and Tradition: Families are trapped for generations in the
same occupation, unable to escape.
Social Injustice: The lesson highlights inequality—while some children enjoy
luxuries, others struggle for survival.
Dreams vs. Reality: Children like Saheb and Mukesh still dream of a better
future, showing human resilience.
Message: The lesson appeals to society to take steps against child labor, to
provide education, and to protect childhood.
The overall message is clear: poverty should not rob children of their
innocence and their right to dream.
---
Page 6 – Action Plan
To overcome the problems highlighted in Lost Spring, it is necessary to
combine the efforts of the government, society, and students. Free and
compulsory education must be strengthened with facilities like mid-day
meals, free books, and uniforms to attract children to schools. Strict laws
against child labor should be enforced, and industries exploiting children
must be penalized. At the same time, parents need skill development and
alternate sources of income so that they do not depend on their children’s
earnings. Awareness campaigns in slums and poor areas can help families
understand the value of education. Communities, NGOs, and schools can
work together to organize free classes and adopt underprivileged children.
As students, we too can play a role by volunteering with organizations,
donating books or clothes, and spreading awareness. Only when every
section of society contributes, can the lost spring of childhood be restored to
millions of children in India.
---
Page 7 – Characters / People Mentioned
Saheb-e-Alam: His name ironically means Lord of the Universe, but he is a
poor ragpicker. His story reflects the irony of life and the lost childhood of
slum children.
Mukesh: A boy who represents hope and courage. Unlike others, he dreams
of becoming a motor mechanic.
Families of Firozabad: They are trapped for generations in the bangle-making
industry, symbolizing helplessness and poverty.
---
Page 8 – Conclusion & Bibliography
Conclusion:
Anees Jung’s Lost Spring is not merely a story but a mirror of society. It raises
awareness about the plight of millions of children whose childhoods are lost
to poverty and child labor. While Saheb’s story shows helplessness, Mukesh’s
story offers a ray of hope. The lesson urges us to recognize that childhood is
sacred and should be filled with learning and happiness, not labor and
suffering. As responsible citizens, it becomes our duty to work towards
eradicating poverty, providing education, and protecting the dreams of
children.
Bibliography:
NCERT Class XII English textbook Flamingo
Anees Jung’s Lost Spring: Stories of Stolen Childhood
CBSE English study material
Reference articles on child labor and poverty in India
