The story ‘Lost Spring’ in Chapter 2 English Class 12 book revolves primarily around two characters: Saheb-e-Alam and Mukesh. Mukesh, who comes from a family of bangle-makers in Firozabad is most famous for its glass-blowing industry. In this business, there are around 20,000 children engaged, and there is no law that prohibits child labour. Both the working environment and the living conditions are terrible. After spending their childhood in dingy cells and working close to hot furnaces, these children become blind in their adulthood. They are so weighed down by debt that they cannot think clearly or figure out a way to get out of it. They will be obstructed by politicians, middlemen, policemen, and bureaucrats. In this household, the women consider it their fate and follow the tradition. Mukesh is different from the rest of the people. He dreams of becoming a motor mechanic. He’ll walk to the garage even though it’s far from his house.
Questions & Answers
- What makes the city of Firozabad famous?
The glass blowing industry in India is centred in Firozabad, which is especially famous for its bangles.
- Mention the hazards of working in the glass bangles industry.
It is hazardous to work in the glass bangles industry. After years of exposure to the work, workers often become blind. There is no proper ventilation in the furnaces, and the temperatures are extremely high. The workers are usually poor, so they work without protective eye gear and become blind. While working, burns and cuts are common, and inhaling fumes can cause lung cancer. Workers put themselves at risk to fill their stomachs.
- What was Mukesh’s dream?
Mukesh comes from a family of bangle makers. He tells the author that he wants to become a motor mechanic. He is eager to learn how to drive a car and doesn’t hesitate to go to a garage far away. He has no desire to live and suffer from poverty.
- How is Mukesh’s attitude to his situation different from that of his family?
Mukesh’s family wanted him to learn the skill of making bangles so he could carry it forward. Most of the children in the family learned the art and continued their family’s profession. However, Mukesh wanted to be a mechanic and drive a car. It was his dream and he was halfway there. Those who live in his community consider it their destiny to earn their living as bangle makers. Mukesh was determined to learn the intricacies of being a mechanic so he travelled to learn it. He was determined to follow his dream above all others.
- What could be some of the reasons for the migration of people from villages to cities?
Most people move to cities in search of work and aid to fill their stomachs. In cities, there are more employment opportunities than in villages. A better level of health and civic facilities is also available in the large towns and cities to meet the needs of the population there. Land destruction and natural calamities can also force farmers to move to the city for employment. In the story, Saheb and his family were forced to move to Seemapuri after their farmland in Dhaka was destroyed by storms. To fill their empty stomachs, they had no choice but to move to the city.
- What forces conspire to keep the workers in the bangle industry of Firozabad in poverty?
In the bangle industry, the workers are forced to work, since it’s the only craft they know to support themselves. Due to their lack of skills in any other field, they have accepted it as their fate to work in the bangle industry and be exploited by middlemen. To help them flourish with the aid of their craft and come out of perpetual poverty, they need a proper legal system and a social system.
- How, in your opinion, can Mukesh realize his dream?
The young Mukesh dreamed of becoming a mechanic and driving a car. He dreamt big, which is not typical for someone living in the slums, thus by dreaming big he already raised himself on a pedestal. Despite all the obstacles he will face, I believe he will succeed with his willpower and determination. The fact that he was willing to walk a long distance to learn the skill shows his determination and dedication. By taking these small steps, he will be able to move on the way to success.
- 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?
Indeed, we rarely keep the promises we make to poor children. Their dreams and aspirations are considered only a part of their imaginative brain; therefore, they are not taken seriously. It’s difficult to see a young kid’s dream not encouraged, which makes them less motivated to accomplish it. People rarely make promises to the kids just to avoid breaking their hearts.
In the story, the narrator promises to start a school for Saheb and encourages him to study. Initially, she sowed a seed of hope in his heart, but when he inquired about the school after a few days, she realized how hollow her promise was and was embarrassed.
- Why should child labour be eliminated and how?
Poor families have more children because they believe that the more workers are there, the easier it will be to support the family. What they don’t realize is that in their youth children should be devoted to learning and playing instead of working hard to earn. Industry and local food restaurants favour children as workers because they charge less and work longer hours. They could easily be exploited without facing any revolt. These dangerous conditions can not only cripple them physically but also cause illnesses that can lead to their death. The government should better control these industries and introduce appropriate labour regulation laws. Strict measures must be taken if a factory is found to be hiring young kids as workers. The public should be aware of these things and should not encourage such behaviour.
Also published on Medium.