Chapter 2 of the CBSE Class 12 English Textbook – Flamingo includes a prose titled “Lost Spring.” Lost Spring by Anees Jung represents the impact of poverty on childhood. The writer highlights the plight of children living in slums under inhuman conditions, which not only affects their childhood but also threaten their future. The chapter tells the story of two boys, Saheb and Mukesh, who aspire for a better life and basic human rights like education. However, society around them is filled with obstacles that keep them trapped in their current situation.
Here, we provide a brief summary of the prose- Lost Spring.
CBSE Class 12 English Lost Spring Summary
Lost Spring tells the stories of two children who face poverty in almost every aspect of life but still dare to dream big. The writer, Anees Jung, is the one telling both stories.
‘Sometimes I Find a Rupee in the Garbage’
The narrator describes a boy named Saheb, a ragpicker she sees every morning. She strikes up a conversation with him and learns that he and his family came from Dhaka after a storm destroyed their home. They moved here to make a living. When the narrator suggests he join a school, Saheb explains there isn’t one in his neighborhood. The narrator promises to start a school where he can attend, bringing a spark of hope to Saheb’s eyes. However, a few days later, when Saheb excitedly asks if the school is ready, the narrator realizes that such promises are often made to children like Saheb but rarely fulfilled.
The narrator continues to describe the harsh realities of children living in extreme poverty. She observes how they walk barefoot on the streets, often with the justification that it is a tradition. However, she suspects that this so-called tradition is merely an excuse to accept and perpetuate their ongoing poverty. She recalls a story from a man in Udipi who shared that as a child, he would pray for a pair of shoes at a temple. Thirty years later, when the narrator revisits the same temple and town, she notices a little boy wearing shoes. It seems that the prayers for shoes have finally been answered.
To provide context about Saheb, the narrator describes Seemapuri, a settlement near Delhi where ragpickers from Bangladesh have lived since 1971. These settlers lack formal identities or permits and only possess ration cards, which allow them to obtain food and vote for politicians. They are denied any other rights. Over time, ragpicking has become a skillful pursuit for them. For a child like Saheb, discovering a rupee or a ten-rupee note is a significant triumph. One day, the narrator notices Saheb wearing a pair of tennis shoes. Although one shoe has a hole, Saheb is unbothered, as having shoes is a dream come true for a child who has always walked barefoot.
Later, the narrator encounters Saheb holding a steel canister. She discovers that he has begun working at a tea stall, earning 800 rupees a month along with daily meals. When asked if he was content with his new job, Saheb appears downcast. Working under someone else has stripped away his freedom. His once carefree demeanor has faded, and the weight of the steel canister seems heavier to him than the plastic bag he used to carry while ragpicking.
‘I Want to Drive a Car’
This passage describes the terrible situation faced by bangle makers in Firozabad. The author highlights the prevalent poverty that affects the homes and streets of this town. Mukesh, a young boy from Firozabad, takes the narrator to his house, revealing the harsh conditions in which people labor — around hot furnaces with inadequate ventilation and lighting. The workers are unaware that it is illegal for children to be employed in such hazardous environments.
The narrator notes that bangle-making is a traditional craft practiced by a specific caste, passed down from parents to children for generations. Despite the entire family working in the bangle factories, they remain impoverished. Mukesh’s family, like many others in the area, still cannot afford to build a proper house. The same bleak fate is shared by the community, where the constant struggle to provide even three decent meals a day has sapped their will to fight against their circumstances.
When questioned about forming a cooperative to improve their living conditions, the bangle makers express their fear of being beaten and arrested by the police for engaging in illegal activities. Their ancestors were exploited by middlemen, and the younger generations continue to suffer the consequences. The bangle makers remain oppressed by both poverty and the stigma associated with their caste. The narrator highlights a vicious cycle perpetuated by moneylenders, policemen, and middlemen, who prevent these people from improving their social standing.
As a result, no one dares to break free from this profession, trapped in a cycle of poverty and oppression. Mukesh, however, dreams of becoming a motor mechanic, and the narrator notices a spark of rebellion in his eyes. When she asks if he would ever want to be a pilot, Mukesh looks embarrassed and says that he’s content with aspiring to be a motor mechanic. Becoming a pilot seems like an unattainable dream for him.
Conclusion of Lost Spring
In conclusion, the chapter highlights the harsh realities faced by people trapped in poverty and traditional roles, such as the ragpickers and bangle makers. These individuals live in extremely difficult conditions, with limited opportunities for a better future. Despite the tough environment, there are small glimmers of hope and dreams among the people. For instance, Mukesh’s desire to become a motor mechanic represents a spark of ambition and the possibility of change. The chapter underscores the importance of breaking the oppressive cycles that keep these communities in poverty. It suggests that with support and opportunities, individuals like Mukesh can achieve their dreams and improve their lives, ultimately paving the way for a brighter future for their entire community.
We trust that this summary of the CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo Prose, “Lost Spring,” has provided you with a quick grasp of the chapter. Stay connected with GK Publications for the latest updates on CBSE and study materials. Explore sample papers and question papers from various years to enhance your preparation for the Board exams.
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