Lost Spring 

By Anees Jung

Anees Jung is an Indian author, journalist, and columnist, known for her poignant writings on the lives and struggles of marginalized individuals, particularly women and children, in India. Her works often explore themes of poverty, social injustice, and the resilience of those who live on the fringes of society.

“Lost Spring” is a part of her book “Lost Spring: Stories of Stolen Childhood.” The story highlights the plight of impoverished children in India, who are forced into child labor and denied the opportunity for education and a better life. Through vivid descriptions and interviews, Jung sheds light on the harsh realities these children face, emphasizing the need for change and compassion.

Q: What is Saheb looking for in the garbage dumps? Where is he and where has he come from?

Ans. Saheb is looking for “gold” in the garbage dumps – this “gold” represents anything valuable he finds, such as coins, food, or other items he can use or sell. He is in Seemapuri, a slum area on the outskirts of Delhi, and he has come from Dhaka, Bangladesh. His family migrated to India in search of a better life after their fields were destroyed by storms and floods.

Q: What explanations does the author offer for the children not wearing footwear?

Ans. The author suggests that not wearing footwear is partly due to poverty and partly a tradition among some poor children. For many, it is not a lack of desire but rather a resigned acceptance of their condition. They have grown accustomed to living without shoes and do not see it as an essential item.

Q: Is Saheb happy working at the tea stall? Explain.

Ans. No, Saheb is not happy working at the tea stall. Although he now earns 800 rupees and gets meals as well, he has lost his freedom. Earlier, as a ragpicker, he had the liberty to roam freely and explore. Working at the tea stall, he is bound by rules and no longer his own master, which makes him feel confined and unhappy.

Q: What makes the city of Firozabad famous?

Ans. The city of Firozabad is famous for its glass bangle industry. Almost every family in the city is involved in making bangles, contributing to this traditional craft that has been passed down through generations.

Q: Mention the hazards of working in the glass bangles industry.

Ans. The hazards of working in the glass bangle industry include exposure to intense heat from the furnaces, which can cause burns and other injuries. Workers, including children, also face health issues like lung damage, poor eyesight, and skin burns due to working in dingy, poorly ventilated rooms with harmful chemicals and molten glass. The industry lacks proper safety measures, putting the worker’s health at constant risk.

Q: How is Mukesh’s attitude to his situation different from that of his family?

Ans. Mukesh’s attitude is different because he dreams of breaking away from the traditional family occupation of bangle-making. Unlike his family, who have resigned themselves to their fate, Mukesh aspires to become a motor mechanic and is determined to learn the skills required. He shows a sense of hope and ambition that sets him apart from his family’s acceptance of their situation.

Q: What could be some of the reasons for the migration of people from villages to cities?

Ans. People migrate from villages to cities in search of better employment opportunities, living conditions, and access to education and healthcare. In the story, people like Saheb’s family migrate due to natural calamities (floods) that destroy their livelihoods. They move to cities with the hope of escaping poverty, hunger, and deprivation.

Q: Would you agree that promises made to poor children are rarely kept? Why do you think this happens in the incidents narrated in the text?

Ans. Yes, promises made to poor children are rarely kept. This happens because the socio-economic structures are exploitative, and there is a lack of genuine commitment from those in power to improve their conditions. In the text, Saheb is promised a better future, but he ends up losing his freedom while working at a tea stall. The systemic issues and exploitation keep children trapped in a cycle of poverty and unfulfilled dreams.

Q: What forces conspire to keep the workers in the bangle industry of Firozabad in poverty?

Ans. Multiple forces conspire to keep workers in the bangle industry of Firozabad in poverty, including exploitative moneylenders, middlemen, policemen, bureaucrats, and politicians who benefit from the workers’ misery. The workers are stuck in a vicious cycle of debt and poverty, unable to organize themselves due to fear of losing whatever little they have. There is also a lack of education and awareness about their rights.

Q: How, in your opinion, can Mukesh realize his dream?

Ans. Mukesh can realize his dream by gaining the necessary skills to become a motor mechanic. He needs access to proper training and education, and possibly a mentor who can guide him. His determination is strong, but he also needs external support, financial aid, and a break from the exploitative conditions that bind his family to poverty.

Q: Why should child labor be eliminated and how?

Ans. Child labor should be eliminated because it deprives children of their childhood, education, and the opportunity to build a better future. Children like Saheb and Mukesh are trapped in labor due to poverty and lack of access to education, continuing a cycle of poverty and exploitation. Child labor also poses serious health risks; Mukesh’s work in the hazardous glass-blowing industry endangers his eyesight and overall well-being. To eliminate child labor, it is essential to enforce strict laws against it, ensure free and quality education for all children, and provide economic support to families so they do not rely on their children’s income. Awareness campaigns and community involvement can help shift social attitudes and promote child rights, breaking the cycle of poverty and exploitation.