LOST SPRING
1. ‘But the game he is watching so intently is out of his reach.’
What are the factors that have made their game inaccessible to Saheb?
Ans. There are social and economic barriers which have made the game inaccessible for
Saheb. He watches a game of tennis being played but he is not able to participate in it. This
is because he lacks the required financial status. He is a ragpicker and so, his social status
is also insufficient for allowing him access to the game.
2. In spite of the conditions prevailing in Seemapuri, children like Saheb and
Mukesh are not devoid of hope. How far do you agree?
Ans. I agree with the statement. In the story we see the ragpicker boy named Saheb-e-
Alam who wants to go to school, play tennis and wants a pair of shoes. All these wishes
indicate his ambitions. He has desires which shows that he has hopes that they will get
fulfilled. Another young boy named Mukesh dares to dream and become a mechanic. He
dares to pursue a profession which is different from the traditional family occupation of
bangle-making.
3. When I sense a flash of it in Mukesh, I am cheered. How is Mukesh’s attitude of
life different from that of his family and friends?
Ans. Mukesh’s attitude is different because he dreams of becoming a car mechanic,
whereas his family and friends are resigned to their fate of working in the bangle-making
industry. His desire to break free from the cycle of poverty and pur
3. Franz in “The Last Lesson” realizes the importance of going to school while
Saheb in “Lost Spring” yearns to go to school. Write a paragraph exploring the
different perspectives of these two young boys on learning and education.
Ans. Franz and Saheb offer contrasting perspectives on education that highlight the value
and challenges of schooling. In “The Last Lesson,” Franz’s realization of the importance of
school comes too late, as he is faced with the harsh reality of losing his opportunity to learn
due to the German occupation. His regret underscores how education is often undervalued
until it is threatened. Conversely, Saheb in “Lost Spring” yearns for school as a means of
escape from the harsh life of rag-picking. His desire for education represents hope and a
vision for a better future. Saheb’s longing illustrates how education is seen as a pathway to
opportunity, reflecting its critical role in transforming lives. While Franz’s experience is
shaped by loss and missed chances, Saheb’s perspective is driven by a yearning for
change and improvement.
4. ‘Lost Spring’ explains the grinding poverty and traditions that condemn thousands of
people to a life of abject poverty. Do you agree? Why/Why not?
Answer:
‘Lost Spring’ does indeed highlight the miserable plight of thousands of poor people
whose life is completely marred by abject poverty and thoughtless traditions. They
work extremely hard in the most pathetic conditions and accept poverty and
exploitation as their destiny. Through the lives of Saheb-e-Alam, a ragpicker, and
Mukesh, a bangle maker, the author highlights the vicious circle of social stigma and
poverty which these people are subjected to. Saheb and Mukesh also represent a
growing number of refugee migrants and people who are forced to live a life of
penury. No one shows any kind of compassion or sensitivity to their pathetic plight
and there is also no initiative or commitment for the upliftment of these downtrodden
people. Acute poverty, no education and no infrastructural development has drained
their energy and willpower and they have no choice but to accept their destiny of
inevitable poverty.
5. For the children it is wrapped in wonder, for the elders it is a means of survival.” What
kind of life do the rag-pickers of Seemapuri lead?
Answer:
Garbage, for the ragpickers of Seemapuri, is considered to be nothing less than gold.
Picking garbage helps them to earn their daily bread, gives them a roof over their
head and is their only means of livelihood and survival. For the innocent children
garbage is wrapped in wonder as they marvel at the prospect of finding a coin, a
currency note or a curio that sustains their hope. These children grow up to become
partners in survival with their parents. Seemapuri houses around 10,000 ragpickers
mostly Bangladeshi refugees, who have lived there for more than thirty years without
an identity and without permits. These people live in mud structures with roofs made
of tin and tarpaulin. The ration cards that enable them to get their names on voters’
lists and enable them to buy grain and garbage are their means of survival. Food is
more important to them for survival than an identity.