"The Lost Spring" is a chapter from the Class 12 CBSE English

textbook, "Flamingo." It is written by Anees Jung and explores the

theme of social inequality and the plight of children trapped in the
cycle of poverty and child labor.

The chapter focuses on the lives of children in the town of

Seemapuri, located on the outskirts of Delhi. Seemapuri is known
for its scrap market where children work under harsh conditions to
earn a meager living. The author vividly describes the lives of these
children, their struggles, and their dreams that seem unattainable.

The chapter introduces characters like Saheb, a boy who polishes

shoes and dreams of going to school, and Mukesh, who collects
garbage and aspires to become a motor mechanic. The author
portrays their resilience and the stark contrast between their
childhood aspirations and the harsh reality they face.

Through personal anecdotes and interviews, the author sheds light

on the socio-economic factors that perpetuate the cycle of poverty
and child labor. She highlights the lack of education, healthcare, and
basic amenities in Seemapuri, which further marginalize these
children and prevent them from breaking free from their
circumstances.

"The Lost Spring" also touches upon the issue of identity and the
struggles faced by children who are born into a particular
community or caste, which limits their opportunities and social
mobility.

Overall, the chapter provides a thought-provoking insight into the

lives of child laborers and the societal structures that contribute to
their exploitation and loss of childhood. It serves as a call to action
to address the inequalities and provide better opportunities for the
underprivileged children of India.