Ch 2 Lost Spring
By Anees Jung
About the Author
Anees Jung
Born in 1944 in Hyderabad
A well-known writer and journalist
Focuses on social issues, especially poverty, exploitation, and marginalized
communities
Famous works: Unveiling India, Night of the New Moon
Her writing style is simple, realistic, and deeply emotional
Theme of the Chapter
Main Theme:
👉 Loss of childhood due to poverty and exploitation
Key Themes:
Child Labour: Children forced to work instead of studying
Poverty Trap: Poor families unable to escape their condition
Dream vs Reality: Dreams crushed by harsh life
Social Injustice: Society ignoring the suffering of the poor
Tradition & Exploitation: Generations stuck in the same work
Main Characters
1. Saheb-e-Alam
Ragpicker from Seemapuri
Dreams of going to school
Name means “Lord of the Universe” but he is poor
Works at a tea stall later → loses freedom and smile
2. Mukesh
Bangle maker from Firozabad
Dreams of becoming a motor mechanic
Symbol of hope and courage
Summary:
The chapter highlights the lives of poor children like Saheb and Mukesh, who
are forced into child labour due to poverty.
Saheb collects garbage for survival
His family migrated after losing everything in Bangladesh
Mukesh belongs to a family of bangle makers trapped in a cycle of poverty
Despite hardships, Mukesh dares to dream of a better future
👉 The title “Lost Spring” symbolizes lost childhood and lost opportunities
Difficult Words & Meanings
Word Meaning
Ragpicker Person who collects waste
Perpetual Continuous, never-ending
Apathetic Showing no interest
Searching for something
Scrounging usable
Word Meaning
Desolate Empty, sad, without hope
Seep Flow slowly
Stigma Mark of shame
Loom Machine for weaving
Drudgery Hard, boring work
Oblivious Unaware
RTC
"Saheb-e-Alam, a ragpicker, roams the streets of Seemapuri barefoot..."
Questions:
1. Who is Saheb-e-Alam?
2. Why does he roam barefoot?
3. What does barefoot symbolize?
Answers:
1. Saheb-e-Alam is a poor ragpicker boy living in Seemapuri.
2. He roams barefoot because his family cannot afford shoes.
3. Barefoot symbolizes poverty and lack of basic necessities.
Long PYQs with Answers
1. Why is the chapter titled Lost Spring?
Answer:
The title refers to the loss of childhood (spring = youth) of poor children like
Saheb and Mukesh. Instead of enjoying life and education, they are forced into
labour. Their dreams are crushed by poverty and exploitation.
2. Describe the life of Saheb-e-Alam.
Answer:
Saheb is a ragpicker living in Seemapuri. His family migrated from Bangladesh
due to poverty. He collects garbage to survive. Though he dreams of studying, he
cannot afford it. When he starts working at a tea stall, he loses his freedom and
happiness.
3. How is Mukesh different from others in his family?
Answer:
Mukesh is different because he dares to dream. While his family is trapped in
bangle-making, he wants to become a motor mechanic. He is determined to
break the cycle of poverty, showing hope and courage.
4. What does garbage mean to children like Saheb?
Answer:
For children like Saheb, garbage is not waste—it is a means of survival. It
sometimes brings them food, money, or useful items. It represents both hope and
livelihood.
5. What message does the author convey through this chapter?
Answer:
The author highlights the harsh reality of child labour and poverty. She urges
society to take responsibility and ensure education and freedom for every child.
The chapter calls for social awareness and change.
6. who is more inspiring Saheb or Mukesh and why?
Answer: Mukesh is more inspiring because he shows the courage to dream
beyond his circumstances and actively tries to change his future. While Saheb
symbolizes helplessness and lost childhood, Mukesh represents hope,
determination, and the possibility of breaking free from poverty.