Project Title: "Lost Spring: A Story of Child Labour in India"
Certificate
This is to certify that Piyush of Class 12th from Defence Public School has successfully completed the English
project on the topic “Lost Spring: A Story of Child Labour in India” under the guidance of our English teacher
during the academic session 2024–25.
Signature of Student
Signature of Teacher
School Seal
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my English teacher for guiding me throughout this project.
I also thank my parents and friends for their support. This project has helped me understand the harsh
reality of child labour and the value of childhood.
– Piyush
Index
1. Introduction
2. About the Chapter “Lost Spring”
3. Main Characters
4. Summary of the Story
5. What is Child Labour?
6. Causes of Child Labour
7. Effects of Child Labour
8. Real Life Examples (with pictures)
9. Role of Society
10. Laws Against Child Labour
11. Government Schemes
12. The Message by the Author
13. Role of Education
14. How Can We Help?
15. Poem on Child Labour
16. Conclusion
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17. Bibliography
1. Introduction
Childhood is the most beautiful phase of life, full of dreams, learning, and innocence. But sadly, for many
underprivileged children in India, this phase is snatched away due to poverty and compulsion to work. The
story “Lost Spring” by Anees Jung sheds light on the pain and suffering of children who are forced into
labour instead of attending school.
This project aims to highlight the theme of child labour, its causes, effects, and what steps can be taken to
stop it. Pictures, real-life references, and social messages will support the information in the upcoming
pages.
2. About the Chapter "Lost Spring"
• Written by Anees Jung, a noted journalist and writer.
• Talks about two stories of children deprived of their childhood.
• Saheb, a ragpicker from Seemapuri.
• Mukesh, a bangle-maker from Firozabad.
• Shows how poverty and tradition trap children into labour.
• Highlights social injustice and economic inequality.
3. Main Characters
• Saheb: A boy from Seemapuri who collects garbage to survive. He dreams of going to school but is
forced to work. Though innocent and full of dreams, he becomes a victim of poverty. His name
“Saheb-e-Alam” means “Lord of the Universe”, which contrasts with his poor condition, symbolizing
the irony of his life.
• Mukesh: A young bangle maker from Firozabad. He dreams of becoming a car mechanic and
breaking away from the traditional family occupation. Despite being born into a community where
children grow up only knowing the art of bangle-making, Mukesh dares to think differently and
aspires for a better life. His courage represents hope amidst hardship.
4. Summary of the Story
• Saheb came from Dhaka due to natural disasters and poverty.
• Now lives in Delhi and collects garbage, which he calls "gold".
• His freedom is taken when he starts working at a tea stall.
• Mukesh comes from a family of bangle makers in Firozabad.
• Lives in poor conditions, exposed to glass dust, which harms children’s health.
• Yet, Mukesh wants to break the cycle by becoming a mechanic.
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5. What is Child Labour?
Child labour means engaging children in work that is mentally, physically, socially, or morally dangerous
and harmful. It deprives them of education and a healthy childhood.
Child labour can include work in factories, fields, households, construction sites, and even on the streets.
These jobs often involve long hours, little or no pay, and unsafe conditions.
It also includes work that interferes with a child's ability to attend regular school or limits their capacity to
play and enjoy life. Child labour is considered a serious violation of children’s rights and is a major issue in
many developing countries, including India.
6. Causes of Child Labour
• Poverty: Families force children to earn money.
• Lack of Education: Children never get the chance to go to school.
• Tradition: In places like Firozabad, children are trapped in family occupations.
• Lack of Awareness: Parents are not aware of the rights of children.
• Unemployment of Parents: When parents are jobless, children are pushed into work to support the
family.
• Cheap Labour Demand: Employers prefer children as they can be paid less and easily controlled.
• Population Pressure: In large families with limited income, children are expected to contribute
economically.
• Ineffective Laws: Weak enforcement of laws fails to protect children from being exploited.
7. Effects of Child Labour
• Loss of childhood.
• Physical and mental health problems.
• No proper education.
• Continuous poverty cycle.
• Exploitation and abuse.
8. Real Life Examples
(Add photos of ragpickers, bangle makers, children working in factories or on roadsides. You can include
newspaper clippings too.)
9. Role of Society
• Society must raise its voice against child labour.
• Adults should report cases of child labour.
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• Spread awareness about education and government support.
• Schools, NGOs, and local communities should work together to identify children at risk and provide
them with educational and emotional support.
• People should support ethical businesses that do not employ child labour.
• Youth clubs and school students can take part in campaigns and street plays to sensitize the public.
10. Laws Against Child Labour
• Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986
• Right to Education Act, 2009
• The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000
These laws make it illegal for children below 14 to work.
11. Government Schemes
• National Child Labour Project (NCLP)
• Midday Meal Scheme
• Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)
• Right to Education Act (RTE)
These are meant to encourage education and stop child labour.
12. The Message by the Author
Anees Jung wants to show how children lose their "spring" – their childhood. She urges society to notice and
act. The story is a mirror of the real world, and a call to action for change.
13. Role of Education
Education is the most powerful tool to break the cycle of child labour. Schools must be made accessible.
Children should be provided free books, uniforms, and meals.
Educated children are more likely to grow into responsible adults with better job opportunities. Education
builds confidence, awareness of rights, and the ability to dream beyond basic survival. It empowers children
to fight exploitation and shape their own futures.
The government and NGOs must ensure that children from poor and marginalized communities receive
quality education. Inclusive education policies and incentives like scholarships and free transport can
greatly reduce dropout rates and encourage families to prioritize schooling.
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14. How Can We Help?
• Don’t employ children.
• Donate to NGOs.
• Sponsor a child’s education.
• Volunteer for awareness campaigns.
• Talk about this issue in your school, home, and society.
15. Poem on Child Labour
Tiny hands that should hold a pen,
Now carry bricks, again and again.
Eyes once bright with dreams to grow,
Are now dull, filled with silent sorrow.
16. Conclusion
Child labour is a blot on society and must be eradicated. Each child deserves a childhood filled with love,
learning, and laughter. Let us join hands to protect the future of our nation – our children.
The responsibility lies not just with the government but with every citizen. Parents should be made aware of
the importance of education, employers should be held accountable, and society must be sensitized. A
world free of child labour is only possible when all sections of society work together to uphold the rights of
every child.
Creating awareness, enforcing strict laws, supporting children’s education, and promoting equality are the
cornerstones of a child-labour-free India. Let us strive to build a nation where every child can dream, learn,
and thrive without fear.
17. Bibliography
• NCERT English Flamingo Textbook
• Ministry of Labour and Employment (India)
• UNICEF and NGO websites
• Articles from The Hindu, Times of India, and Hindustan Times
• Anees Jung’s interviews and books
