Lost Spring: Stories of Stolen Childhood

Ans. Saheb is a ragpicker. He is looking for gold in the garbage dumps. Presently he is in Delhi. He has come from Bangladesh.

Ans. Garbage is the only means of survival for them. They search for something valuable in the garbage and sell for a little money. They pitch their tents wherever they can’t find rags. So the author rightly says that garbage is no less than gold to the rag-pickers.

Ans. Saheb does not seem to be happy working at the tea-stall. Now he feels bound and burdened. Saheb is no longer his own master.

Ans. Firozabad is famous for glass blowing industry. Every other family here is engaged in making bangles, it is famous for its bangles.

Ans. Workers’ work in dingy cells without air and light. They lose the brightness of their eyes. The powder from the polishing of bangles also blinds them.

Ans. Saheb joined the job at milk booth because he got their money and all his meals.  He was paid 800 rupees for his service.

Ans. According to author, it is a tradition to stay barefoot. It is not lack of money. People who see these children barefoot feel pity and often give them some money or something to eat.

Ans. Everyone in Mukesh’s family works in bangle making industry. They have been doing this for generations. But Mukesh has different attitude in this matter. Instead of working in glass industry, he wants to become a motor mechanic.

Ans. Some of the reasons for migration of people from villages to cities are

i) Better livelihood (job)

ii) Better Education

iii) Better Transport

iv) Better Hospitals

Ans. Yes, I agree that promises made to the poor children are rarely kept. It happens because these promises are not taken seriously and usually such promises are made just to make the children happy.

We read one incident in this story where narrator promises Saheb to open a school but after some days when Saheb asks her if her school is ready, she becomes conscious of her mistake. Her hollow promise leaves her embarrassed.

Ans. There are many forces conspire to keep the workers in bangle industry of Firozabad in poverty. These include the moneylenders, the middlemen, the policemen, politicians etc. Together they impose a heavy burden on the workers of bangle industry.

Ans. Everyone in Mukesh’s family works in bangle making industry. They have been doing this for generations. But Mukesh has different attitude in this matter. Instead of working in glass industry, he wants to become a motor mechanic.

He can realise his dream by joining a garage and learn the job of repairing cars and driving them. There are many challenges. Money is the first one. He will have to earn some money himself. The garage is a long way from his home. He will have to cover it twice everyday anyhow – by walking on foot. Patience, hardwork, and the determination will him realise his dream.

Ans. Child labour should be eliminated because it does not let them live their childhood. The age when they are supposed to read, play enjoy goes in working for a little.

Child labour can be eliminated only through the serious efforts on the part of government agencies, NGO’s (Non-Government Organisations), co-operative societies and political leaders. Merepassing of law will not help. Laws should be enacted faithfully. The children thrown out of work should be rehabilitated and given proper food, clothes, education and pocket money. Their feelings, thoughts and emotions should be respected.