LOST SPRING

SAQ

Question.1. To which country did Saheb’s parents originally belong? Why did they come to
India? (Compartment 2014)
or
Why did Saheb’s parents leave Dhaka and migrate to India? (Compartment 2014)
or
Why had the ragpickers come to live in Seemapuri? (Foreign 2014)

Saheb's parents hailed from Dhaka, Bangladesh, where lush green fields surrounded their
home. However, their tranquil life was disrupted when their homeland was ravaged by
storms, leaving their homes and fields in ruins. Faced with the loss of their livelihood, they
made the difficult decision to migrate to India in search of a better life. Along with other
ragpickers, they settled in the slums of Seemapuri, hoping to rebuild their lives amidst the
challenges of their new environment.

Question.2. What job did Saheb take up? Was he happy? (All India 2014 Modified)

Saheb found employment at a tea stall, where his duties ranged from fetching milk at the
booth to various other odd jobs. Despite earning Rs 800 and receiving complimentary meals,
he felt a sense of discontent as he had surrendered his independence. No longer in control
of his own time and decisions, he grappled with the loss of autonomy that came with his
employment.

Question.3. In what sense is garbage gold to the ragpickers? (Compartment 2014)

or
Garbage to them is gold; why does the author say so about the ragpickers? (Delhi 2008)

Garbage is gold to the ragpickers of Seemapuri because it provides them items which can be
sold for cash, which can buy them food and is a means of survival. Moreover, it is gold also
because the ragpickers can find stray coins and currency notes in it.

Question.4. How is Mukesh different from the other bangle makers of Firozabad? (Delhi
2014; Modified)

Mukesh stands out for his unwavering determination to dream big, even in the face of
adversity, unlike the other bangle makers of Firozabad who have resigned themselves to
their circumstances, stifling their aspirations. Defying the traditional "God-given lineage" of
bangle making, Mukesh harbors ambitions of becoming a motor mechanic as he matures.
Question.5. Whom does Anees Jung blame for the sorry plight of the bangle makers?
(Compartment 2014)

Anees Jung points the finger at a multitude of figures—middlemen, policemen, lawmakers,

bureaucrats, and politicians—for the dire situation faced by the bangle makers. These
individuals are implicated in a system of exploitation and oppression against the
impoverished artisans. They enforce meagre wages, prevent the formation of cooperatives,
and coerce the children of bangle makers into entering the same trade prematurely,
perpetuating a cycle of poverty and limited opportunity.

Question.6. What is Mukesh’s dream? Do you think he will be able to fulfil his dream? Why?
Why
not? (Compartment 2014)
or
What was Mukesh’s dream? In your opinion, did he achieve his dream? (Foreign 2009)
or
Is it possible for Mukesh to realise his dream? Justify your answer. (All India 2009)

Mukesh’s dream is to become a motor-mechanic. It is no doubt difficult for Mukesh to

achieve his dream, as he is torn between his desires and his family tradition, which he
cannot escape. Besides, he has to face a number of obstacles in the form of sahukars,
middlemen, bureaucrats, law makers, politicians etc. However, his will to work hard, and his
strong determination could make him achieve his dream. ‘

Question.7. In spite of despair and disease pervading the lives of the slum children, they are
not
devoid of hope. How far do you agree? (Delhi 2013)

Despite growing up amidst despair and disease, children in the slums harbour aspirations for
significant achievements, akin to Mukesh. This underscores their resilience and hope. Saheb,
a ragpicker, eagerly yearns for education. Mukesh, toiling in dim, dreary workshops crafting
bangles, dreams of defying his family's traditions to pursue a career as a motor mechanic.

Question.8. Who is Mukesh? What is his dream? (Delhi 2012)

Mukesh is a child labourer who Works in a glass bangle making factory that is situated in
Firozabad. Though Mukesh belongs to a poor family which is engaged in bangle making, he
dreams of becoming a motor mechanic when he grows up.

Why could the bangle makers not organise themselves into a cooperative? (All India 2012)

The bangle makers found themselves ensnared in a relentless cycle orchestrated by

sahukars, middlemen, policemen, bureaucrats, and politicians. Any attempt at organizing
would result in police brutality and imprisonment, thwarting their efforts at every turn.
Question.10. Mention any two hazards of working in the bangle industry. (Foreign 2011)

The glass bangle industry subjects its workers to an extremely hazardous environment. They
toil in the suffocating heat of glass furnaces, confined to dim, airless cells devoid of natural
light. Tragically, both adults and child laborers often lose their eyesight prematurely due to
these harsh conditions. Moreover, the relentless hours of labour take a toll on their physical
well-being, exacerbating the adverse effects on their bodies.

Question.11. Why does the author say that the bangle makers are caught in a vicious web?
(All India 2010)

The bangle makers in Firozabad face exploitation from various fronts: Sahukars, middlemen,
policemen, lawmakers, bureaucrats, and politicians all take advantage of them. Despite their
relentless toil day and night, they receive inadequate wages and remain mired in poverty.
Forming cooperatives for their advancement is out of reach, further exacerbating their
plight. Tragically, their children are coerced into the same trade from a young age, with little
opportunity to pursue alternative professions.

Question.12. Is Saheb happy working at the tea stall? How do you know? (Foreign 2010, All
India 2009)

Saheb finds no joy in his work at the tea stall. Despite receiving a fixed wage of Rs 800 along
with complimentary meals, the author observes a marked absence of his once carefree
demeanor. It's clear that he's discontented. His loss of independence signifies that he's no
longer in control of his own destiny.

Long Answer Type Questions (6 Marks, 120-150 words)

Question.13. Give a brief account of life and activities of the people like Saheb-e-Alam
settled in Seemapuri. (Delhi 2011)

The author's acquaintance with Saheb and other barefoot ragpickers led her to discover
Seemapuri, a slum area on the outskirts of Delhi. Populated by refugees who fled
Bangladesh during the 1971 War, including Saheb's family, Seemapuri lacks basic amenities
like sewage, drainage, and running water. Approximately 10,000 ragpickers call this place
home, relying solely on rag picking for sustenance, valuing scraps as if they were gold.
Despite residing here for over three decades, these ragpickers lack formal identification.
While they lack permits, they possess ration cards enabling them to be listed as voters and
purchase subsidized grains.

Question.2.’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? (All India
2011)
 "Lost Spring" provides a sad depiction of the pervasive poverty and entrenched traditions
that ensnare thousands. The narrative delves into the grim reality faced by impoverished
children, compelled to dwell in slums and endure harsh labour in squalid conditions. The
story unfolds in two parts: the first delves into the author's observations of the destitute
ragpickers, originally migrants from Bangladesh, now settled in Delhi's Seemapuri area. The
second part chronicles the wretched existence of bangle makers in Firozabad. Despite their
relentless labor, these families struggle to secure even basic sustenance. Moreover, they fall
victim to exploitation from those in positions of power and suffer the repercussions of blind
adherence to outdated traditions.

Question.3. The bangle makers of Firozabad make beautiful bangles and make everyone
happy but they live and die in squalor. Elaborate. (Delhi 2010)

Firozabad stands as the epicentre of India's glass-blowing industry, a lineage where families
have crafted bangles for generations, adorning the wrists of married women. Despite their
unwavering toil, these families confront a harsh reality: the inability to secure even two
square meals a day. Working amidst deplorable conditions, many suffer premature loss of
eyesight, compounded by the absence of basic amenities in their unhygienic living quarters.

Tragically, the workers find themselves unable to unite under a cooperative, their spirits
crushed and aspirations dashed. Fear of reprisal from authorities and a dearth of leadership
among their ranks perpetuate a cycle of poverty, apathy, and exploitation. Thus, while their
craftsmanship brings joy to countless, their own lives remain entrenched in poverty and
destitution.

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