CBSE Class 12th Lost Spring Most Important Questions with Solutions- “Lost Spring” is a poignant chapter in the CBSE Class 12th English textbook “Flamingo” by Anees Jung. It tells the story of children living in slums and facing the harsh realities of poverty and child labor. CBSE Class 12th Lost Spring Most Important Questions with Solutions in English Medium Full Syllabus
Anees Jung (1964) was born in Rourkela and spent her childhood and adolescence in Hyderabad. She received her education in Hyderabad and in the United States of America. Her parents were both writers. Anees Jung began her career as a writer in India. She has been an editor and columnist for major newspapers in India and abroad, and has authored several books. The following is an excerpt from her book titled Lost Spring, Stories of Stolen Childhood. Here she analyses the grinding poverty and traditions which condemn these children to a life of exploitation CBSE Class 12th Lost Spring Most Important Questions with Solutions in English Medium Full Syllabus
Contents
- 1 Characters in “Lost Spring” from CBSE Class 12th Flamingo
- 2 The Story
- 3 Key Points
- 3.1 Q:- What makes the city of Firozabad famous?
- 3.2 Q:- What could be some of the reasons for the migration of people from villages to cities
- 3.3 Q:- Mention the hazards of working in the glass bangles industry.
- 3.4 Q:- How is Mukesh’s attitude to his situation different from that of his family?
- 3.5 Q:- What forces conspire to keep the workers in the bangle industry of Firozabad in poverty?
- 3.6 Q:- How, in your opinion, can Mukesh realise his dream?
- 3.7 Q:- Mention the hazards of working in the glass bangles industry.
- 3.8 Q:- Why should child labour be eliminated and how?
- 3.9 Q:- What does the title, ‘Lost Spring’ convey?
- 3.10 Q:- Who is Mukesh? What is his dream?
- 3.11 Q:- Garbage has two different meanings—one for the children and another for the adults. Comment
- 3.12 Q:- How is Mukesh’s attitude towards life different from that of his family?
- 3.13 Q:- A young man in Ferozabad is burdened under the baggage of two worlds. What are they?
- 3.14 Q:- What job did Saheb take up? Was he happy?
- 3.15 Q:- Why did Saheb’s parents leave Dhaka and migrate to India?
- 3.16 Q:- Whom does Anees Jung blame for the sorry plight of the bangle makers’?
- 3.17 Q:- What does Saheb look for in the garbage 1 dumps?
- 3.18 Q:- It is his karam, his destiny.” What is Mukesh’s family’s attitude towards their situation?
- 3.19 Q:- How was Mukesh different from other bangle makers?
- 3.20 Q:- Why was Saheb unhappy while working at the tea-stall?
- 3.21 Q:- How are Saheb and Mukesh different from each other?
- 3.22
- 3.23 Related
Characters in “Lost Spring” from CBSE Class 12th Flamingo
| Character | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Saheb-e-Alam | A young rag-picker boy living in a slum. | Represents the harsh reality of child labor and the loss of childhood innocence due to poverty. He dreams of going to school and having a better life. |
| Narrator | (Anees Jung) An empathetic observer of Saheb and Mukesh’s lives. | Serves as a bridge between the reader and the characters, highlighting the injustices faced by children like Saheb and Mukesh. |
| Mukesh | A young boy working in the hazardous glass-bangle industry. | Exemplifies the exploitation and danger inherent in child labor. Despite his circumstances, he exhibits a playful spirit and dreams of being a mechanic. |
| Babu’s grandfather | Mukesh’s strict and demanding employer. | Represents the exploitative system and societal factors that perpetuate child labor. |
| Babu’s wife | A young woman forced into an early marriage and burdened with family responsibilities. | Reflects the plight of women and girls in poverty-stricken communities. |
| Saheb’s mother | A compassionate figure who dreams of a better future for her son. | Offers a glimpse into the hopes and struggles of parents living in poverty. |
| School master | A distant figure representing the possibility of education and liberation. | Highlights the lack of access to education for children like Saheb and Mukesh. |
The Story
- It revolves around two central characters: Saheb, a mischievous rag-picker, and Mukesh, a bangle maker’s son.
- Through their experiences, the author paints a vivid picture of their struggles to survive, their dreams for a better life, and the societal forces that keep them trapped in poverty.
- The narrative highlights the loss of childhood innocence, the lack of education opportunities, and the cycle of generational poverty.
Key Points
- Child labor and the exploitation of children
- Poverty and its impact on education and opportunities
- The resilience and hope of children despite facing adversity
- The role of society and government in addressing social issues like poverty and child labor
Q:- What makes the city of Firozabad famous?
Firozabad is known for several things, but its greatest claim to fame is definitely its glass industry, particularly its stunning glass bangles. Here’s a closer look at what makes Firozabad famous:
Glass Bangles:
- City of Bangles: Firozabad is often referred to as the “City of Bangles” or the “Glass City of India.” Its glass bangle industry is centuries old, with some records suggesting it began with travelers bringing glass articles to India. These were then melted and remoulded into bangles, marking the start of the trade.
- Global Reach: Today, Firozabad boasts over 400 glass factories with skilled artisans crafting bangles in numerous styles, colors, and designs. These bangles are not just popular within India, but also exported worldwide, adorning wrists across the globe.
Beyond Bangles:
- Other Glassware: While bangles are the main attraction, Firozabad also excels in producing various other glassware items like decorative pieces, lamps, chandeliers, and more. These intricate and beautiful objects are another reason the city draws attention.
- Historical Significance: Firozabad has a rich history dating back to the Mughal era. The tomb of Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who founded the city, is a fascinating historical landmark. Other historical sites like Kotla Fort and Chandravar Gate offer glimpses into the city’s past.
- Religious Sites: Firozabad is also home to several important religious sites like the Lord Bahubali Temple, a major Jain pilgrimage center, and the Vaishno Devi Temple, a popular Hindu shrine. These attract visitors from various faiths and backgrounds.
CBSE Class 12th Lost Spring Most Important Questions with Solutions- In summary, while Firozabad’s glass bangles undoubtedly define its fame, the city offers more than just its glittering adornments. Its historical significance, diverse religious sites, and skilled artisans in other glassware crafts make it a multifaceted and interesting place to visit
Q:- What could be some of the reasons for the migration of people from villages to cities
CBSE Class 12th Lost Spring Most Important Questions with Solutions- There are many complex reasons why people migrate from villages to cities, and they can be categorized broadly into pull factors (attractions of the city) and push factors (repelling forces in the village). CBSE Class 12th Lost Spring Most Important Questions with Solutions
Pull Factors
- Economic opportunities: Cities often offer a wider range of job opportunities with higher salaries compared to rural areas. This can be particularly attractive for young people seeking better livelihoods and career advancement.
- Education and healthcare: Cities tend to have better access to educational institutions and healthcare facilities, which can be a major draw for families seeking improved opportunities for their children and themselves.
- Modern amenities and infrastructure: Cities generally have better infrastructure, including transportation, sanitation, and electricity, which can significantly improve the quality of life compared to rural areas.
- Cultural and social attractions: Cities offer a wider range of cultural and entertainment options, such as museums, theaters, restaurants, and nightlife, which can be appealing to people seeking a more vibrant and dynamic environment.
- Social networks and family ties: People may already have family or friends living in cities, which can make the transition easier and provide built-in support networks.
Push Factors
- Limited economic opportunities: Rural areas often struggle with limited job prospects, low wages, and dependence on agriculture, which can lead to poverty and unemployment.
- Natural disasters and climate change: Droughts, floods, and other environmental challenges can make it difficult to sustain livelihoods in rural areas, forcing people to seek refuge in cities.
- Land degradation and resource scarcity: Overuse of land and depletion of natural resources can make it difficult to farm and sustain families in rural areas.
- Lack of basic amenities and infrastructure: Rural areas often lack access to proper sanitation, healthcare, education, and transportation, which can drive people to seek a better standard of living in cities.
- Social discrimination and conflict: Rural areas may face issues like caste discrimination, ethnic tensions, or violence, which can lead people to seek a safer and more inclusive environment in cities.
CBSE Class 12th Lost Spring Most Important Questions with Solutions- It’s important to remember that these factors are often interconnected and vary depending on the specific circumstances of each person and their village. The decision to migrate is complex and involves weighing the potential benefits and challenges of both city and rural life.
Q:- Mention the hazards of working in the glass bangles industry.
The glass bangles industry, particularly in Firozabad, India, is known for its vibrant and intricate creations, but unfortunately, it also harbors significant health hazards for its workers. Here’s a look at some of the most concerning risks:
1. Exposure to Extreme Heat:
Furnaces: Glassblowing and shaping require furnaces reaching temperatures exceeding 1200°C (2200°F). Workers toil in close proximity to these furnaces, enduring intense heat and risking burns.
2. Poor Ventilation and Air Quality:
Confined Spaces: Work often takes place in small, poorly ventilated workshops, leading to the buildup of harmful fumes from furnaces and chemicals used in the process. This can cause respiratory problems, including asthma and lung cancer.
3. Eye Damage:
No Protective Gear: Many workers, especially children, lack proper eye protection while working with molten glass and grinding tools. This exposes them to the risk of permanent eye damage, including cataracts and even blindness.
4. Cuts and Injuries:
Sharp Edges: Handling molten glass and sharp tools inevitably leads to cuts, burns, and lacerations. The lack of proper safety equipment and training further increases the risk of these injuries.
It’s crucial to note that these are just some of the hazards faced by workers in the glass bangles industry. The lack of proper safety regulations, awareness, and access to healthcare further exacerbates these risks. Addressing these issues through improved working conditions, safety equipment, and healthcare access is essential for protecting the well-being of these skilled artisans.
Q:- How is Mukesh’s attitude to his situation different from that of his family?
- Mukesh: He harbors dreams beyond the traditional bangle-making profession. He yearns to be a motor mechanic, a career associated with freedom, skill, and potentially better safety and financial stability. His grandmother’s statement about their “god-given lineage” doesn’t resonate with him. CBSE Class 12th Lost Spring Most Important Questions with Solutions
- Family: They accept their bangle-making legacy as their preordained destiny. They view it as a continuation of their family tradition and ancestral occupation, even though it might entail hardships and limited prospects.
Initiative and Action
- Mukesh: He takes proactive steps to pursue his dream. He walks long distances to learn from a mechanic at a garage, demonstrating commitment and determination to break free from the mold.
- Family: They generally show resignation to their circumstances. They follow the established pattern of learning and practicing bangle-making, lacking the drive or desire to challenge their preordained path.
Risk Tolerance
- Mukesh: He exhibits a willingness to take risks. He ventures outside his community comfort zone and embraces the unknown by pursuing a different career path.
- Family: They prefer the familiarity and security of their traditional occupation. They might perceive venturing into unfamiliar territory as too risky and disruptive to their established way of life.
Outlook on Change
- Mukesh: He embodies a spirit of rebellion and defiance. He challenges the limitations and expectations placed upon him by his family and community, seeking a life based on his own aspirations.
- Family: They tend to be conservative and traditional. They value and uphold the customs and practices inherited from their ancestors, viewing change with apprehension and hesitation.
In essence, Mukesh represents a beacon of hope and self-determination in a community bound by tradition and limited opportunities. His contrasting attitude highlights the internal struggle between accepting fate and striving for personal fulfillment.
Q:- What forces conspire to keep the workers in the bangle industry of Firozabad in poverty?
- Predatory Loans: Many workers rely on loans from middlemen to cover basic needs or meet emergencies. These loans come with exorbitant interest rates that trap them in a cycle of debt, effectively siphoning off any potential profits from their labor. CBSE Class 12th Lost Spring Most Important Questions with Solutions
- Unfair Wages: Middlemen often act as intermediaries between workers and factories, setting arbitrary and low wages. Workers have little bargaining power and are forced to accept whatever they are offered, barely enough to cover basic necessities.
- Discrimination: The bangle industry is dominated by lower caste communities, particularly Dalits. This marginalization translates into limited opportunities for education, skill development, and upward mobility. They are often confined to the bangle-making profession due to societal prejudices and lack of access to alternative options.
Hazardous Working Conditions
Unsafe Environment: The bangle-making process involves exposure to extreme heat, harmful fumes, and sharp tools. This leads to respiratory problems, burns, cuts, and musculoskeletal disorders. The lack of proper safety equipment and healthcare access further exacerbates these risks.
Vulnerable Workforce: Due to poverty and limited options, many families resort to sending their children to work in bangle factories. These children are often deprived of education and are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
Inadequate Regulations: The bangle industry is plagued by inadequate legal regulations and enforcement. This allows for exploitative practices to continue unchecked, and workers lack the necessary legal protection to improve their working conditions and wages.
Limited Education and Skill Development Programs: The government’s efforts to provide skill development and alternative employment opportunities are often inadequate or inaccessible to bangle workers, hindering their chances of breaking free from the cycle of poverty. CBSE Class 12th Lost Spring Most Important Questions with Solutions
These are just some of the forces that contribute to the persistent poverty of bangle workers in Firozabad. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach involving stronger regulations, fair trade practices, access to education and skill development, and effective enforcement of labor laws. It’s a complex challenge, but one that needs urgent attention to improve the lives and livelihoods of these skilled artisans.