CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Mr/Ms. Jonathan Raposo of -

Class XII B of
Vidya Vikas Academy Senior Secondary has successfully carried out the
genuine investigation work on the project titled
“ Child Labour ”.

The project had been submitted for the Class XII practical examination of the Central
Board of Secondary Education in the year 2023-24

It is further certified that all the work related to the project has been
done by the candidate himself.

Internal Examiner

Principal External Examiner (Subject Teacher)

School Stamp
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Upon completion of this project I wish to express my deep

gratitude and sincere thanks to the Principal, Mrs. Joble Bijoy,
Vidya Vikas Academy for her encouragement and for all the
facilities that she provided for this project work. I extend my
hearty thanks to Ms Serrida Rodrigues , English teacher, who
guided me to successful completion of this project. I take this
opportunity to express my deep sense of gratitude for her
invaluable guidance, constant encouragement, immense
motivation, which has sustained my efforts at all stages of this
project work. Her suggestions and instructions have served as a
major contributor towards the completion of this project. I can’t
forget my sincere thanks to my parents and also my classmates
who helped me to carry out this project work successfully and
for their valuable advice and support, which I received from
them from time to time.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Sr TOPIC Pag
N e
o. No.
1. Acknowledgement 1

2. Introduction about 4
the author
3. Chapter Summary 5

4. Theme 6

5. Article Summary 7

6. My Reflection about 8
The Article
7. Causes 9
8. Bibliography 12
 INTRODUCTION ABOUT THE
AUTHOR:

Anees Jung, born on 3 March 1944, is a renowned Indian writer, social activist, and columnist, celebrated for her
insightful and empathetic portrayals of the human experience, especially focusing on the lives of women and
children in Indian society. With a prolific literary career spanning several decades, Jung has made significant
contributions to Indian literature, shedding light on social issues, cultural nuances, and the intricacies of human
relationships.

Jung's writing is characterized by its deep sensitivity and nuanced understanding of the human psyche, which
allows her to delve into the complexities of her characters and their social contexts. Her works often explore
themes such as identity, gender roles, societal norms, and the transformative power of education. Through her
storytelling, she has managed to capture the essence of India's diverse cultural landscape, portraying the struggles
and aspirations of ordinary people.

Apart from her contributions to literature, Anees Jung is also recognized for her advocacy for women's rights and
social justice. Her literary works, including novels, short stories, and essays, reflect her commitment to addressing
societal inequalities and promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

Anees Jung's ability to blend literary excellence with social awareness has earned her a special place in the hearts
of readers and scholars alike. Her insightful narratives continue to inspire readers to reflect on the human
condition, fostering empathy and understanding across cultural and social boundaries. As a prominent figure in
contemporary Indian literature, Anees Jung's work continues to resonate, making her a celebrated author and a
powerful voice for social change.
 CHAPTER SUMMARY:
"Lost Spring" is a short story by Indian author Anees Jung, and it is part of the collection "Lost Spring:
Stories of Stolen Childhood." The story revolves around the life of a rag-picker boy named Saheb and his
family, living in the town of Seemapuri, on the outskirts of Delhi, India.

The story is divided into two parts. In the first part, it introduces the reader to Saheb, his sister, and his
family. Saheb is forced to work as a rag-picker with his family due to their impoverished circumstances, and
his dreams of a better life are shattered by their harsh reality. His sister, Mukesh, is often seen daydreaming
of going to school, while their parents are resigned to their fate as rag-pickers.

The second part of the story focuses on the life of a skilled goldsmith named Karim. Karim was once a
skilled artisan but was forced to leave his craft and become a rag-picker due to financial difficulties. The
story underscores the loss of valuable skills and talents among the poor as they are compelled to engage in
menial and degrading work to make ends meet.

"Lost Spring" highlights the stark contrast between the aspirations and talents of the impoverished children
and their actual circumstances. It serves as a poignant commentary on the social and economic disparities in
India, where the dreams of a better life are often lost in the struggle for survival.

The story emphasizes the importance of education and opportunities for the underprivileged, as well as the
need to address the socio-economic issues that perpetuate the cycle of poverty and lost potential in the lives
of children like Saheb and Mukesh.
 THEME
The primary themes in the chapter "The Lost Spring" by Anees Jung include:

Poverty and its Impact: The story highlights the harsh realities of poverty, where families like Saheb's are forced into
rag-picking to make ends meet. The theme of poverty is central to the narrative and underscores the challenges faced by
underprivileged communities.

Loss of Childhood and Dreams: The story portrays how the children, especially Saheb's sister Mukesh, have their
dreams and childhood aspirations stifled by the burden of poverty and the need to work at a young age. Their innocence
and potential are lost to the demands of their circumstances.

Disparities and Social Injustice: "The Lost Spring" explores the stark contrast between the lives of the impoverished
rag-pickers and the more privileged members of society. It sheds light on the social injustices and inequalities that
persist, denying opportunities to those at the bottom of the economic ladder.

Lost Skills and Talents: The story also delves into the loss of valuable skills and talents, as seen in the character of
Karim, a skilled goldsmith turned rag-picker due to economic hardships. This theme underscores how societal
inequalities can lead to the wasting of human potential.

Aspiration and Hope: Despite their challenging circumstances, the characters in the story continue to harbor dreams and
aspirations for a better life. The theme of hope and resilience is evident in the story, as the characters strive for a
brighter future, even when the odds are stacked against them.

The Role of Education: The story emphasizes the importance of education as a means to break the cycle of poverty and
lost opportunities. It suggests that access to quality education can open doors for underprivileged children and provide
them with a chance to escape the cycle of poverty.

Overall, "The Lost Spring" explores the multifaceted impact of poverty and the societal issues that perpetuate it, while
also highlighting the enduring human spirit and the importance of addressing these issues to create a more equitable
society.
 5

ARTICLE SUMMARY
The author unveils the utter destitution of the ragpickers of Seemapuri and the
bangle makers of Firozabad. This story describes the poverty stricken conditions
and traditions that compel the children to live a life of exploitation and thus they
loose their childhood. The author puts forth the poverty stricken experiences of two
young boys Saheb and Mukesh.
Saheb, the son of a migrant family from Dhaka, is a ragpicker who lives in
Seemapuri, at the periphery of Delhi, and goes about barefoot rummaging around in
the heaps of garbage to earn his livelihood. For the children like Saheb, a heap of
garbage is like a gold mine. Thousands of such children live with their families in
Seemapuri. They live in a slum with not even the basic amenities, such as water and
sanitation, available to them. These families are living in utter poverty. The children
have nothing to do except ragpicking through which they earn something to at least
feed their stomach.. Garbage to the elders is a means of survival but for these
children it is a magical wonder. In order to earn better, Saheb starts working at a tea-
stall where he is paid Rs.800 per month but it seems he, on getting a new work other
than ragpicking , loses his carefreeness. As now he works for someone else and is no
longer his own master. This loss of identity weighs heavily on his tender shoulders
which in turn pushes Saheb to an extreme where in he looses his ‘Childhood life’.

Anees Jung, then tells about Mukesh, another young boy, who wants to be his own
master. He is a boy from Firozabad’s glass industry and as a family tradition he has
always worked in the glass bangle factory. Here, the children work in close
proximity of furnaces in such high temperatures that they are exposed to various
health hazards, even losing their eyesight.
Mukesh’s family, like other families of Firozabad, are victims of poverty. His father
is blind, and they live in a small half-constructed house. These people of Firozabad
are exploited by the sahukars, the middlemen, the policemen, the bureaucrats and
the politicians . The poverty stricken families here in Firozabad are caught in the
never ending web of poverty and have therefore given up the hope of better living
,But Mukesh is different as he is confident, and full of hope and wishes to be a
motor mechanic with a hope for improved living.
 MY REFLECTION ABOUT THE ARTICLE
"The Lost Spring" is a deeply moving and thought-provoking chapter that takes a poignant look at the lives
of the marginalized in Indian society. It highlights the stark contrast between dreams and the harsh realities
faced by individuals living in poverty. As a human, reading this chapter evokes a strong sense of empathy
and introspection.

The characters, particularly Saheb, Mukesh, and Karim, draw me into their world, making me feel their
struggles and aspirations. Saheb's desire for a better life, Mukesh's yearning for education, and Karim's lost
skill as a goldsmith all resonate deeply. The loss of childhood innocence and dreams due to poverty is heart-
wrenching.

The chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the social injustices and disparities that persist in our world. It
forces me to reflect on how privilege and disadvantage are often determined by circumstances beyond an
individual's control. The cyclical nature of poverty is made painfully clear, and the barriers to upward
mobility are laid bare.

Moreover, "The Lost Spring" underscores the transformative power of education. It highlights the importance
of equal access to quality education as a means to break the cycle of poverty and provide opportunities for
children like Mukesh. It compels me to think about the importance of initiatives and policies that promote
education and social justice.

The resilience and hope displayed by the characters in the face of adversity are both inspiring and a call to
action. As a reader, I can't help but wonder how we can work collectively to create a more equitable society,
where the dreams of children like Mukesh can be realized, and where individuals like Saheb can escape the
confines of poverty.

In conclusion, "The Lost Spring" is a chapter that stirs a range of emotions and invites deep reflection on the
injustices of the world and the importance of empathy, education, and social change. It serves as a
compelling reminder of the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the need for collective efforts
to address these issues and build a more just and equitable society.
 CAUSES
Child labor is a complex and multifaceted issue with various causes that can differ from one region or country to
another. Some of the common causes of child labor include:

Poverty: Poverty is often the primary driver of child labor. Families living in extreme poverty may depend on the
income earned by their children to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing.

Lack of Access to Education: Inadequate access to quality education, including the absence of schools in remote areas
or the inability to afford education, can force children into labor as they have limited alternatives for their future.

Cultural and Social Norms: In some societies, there are traditional practices or cultural norms that support child labor.
Children may be expected to work to support their families from a young age.

Lack of Enforcement of Child Labor Laws: Weak or insufficient enforcement of child labor laws and regulations allows
employers to exploit child labor with minimal consequences.

Demand for Cheap Labor: Some industries and employers seek child labor due to its cost-effectiveness. Children can be
paid less than adult workers and are often subjected to harsh working conditions.

Economic Factors: In some cases, child labor is a result of economic factors such as global market demands. Industries
that require low-skilled and cheap labor may perpetuate child labor in certain regions.

Family Debt: Families burdened by debt may send their children to work to repay loans or financial obligations. This
can create a cycle of child labor.

Conflict and Displacement: Children affected by conflict, war, or displacement may be forced into labor to survive or
support their families when they lose their homes and livelihoods.

Trafficking and Exploitation: Child trafficking is a major cause of child labor. Children are sometimes lured or forced
into labor, often in hazardous and exploitative conditions.

Lack of Social Safety Nets: Inadequate social safety nets and support systems for vulnerable families can lead to child
labor as a means of survival.

Gender Inequality: Gender-based discrimination can contribute to child labor, with girls often more vulnerable to
exploitation, particularly in domestic work and the informal sector.

Lack of Awareness: Many children and families are unaware of their rights or the dangers of child labor, making them
more susceptible to exploitation.

Efforts to eradicate child labor involve addressing these root causes through a combination of legislation, enforcement,
education, economic development, and social support systems. International organizations, governments, and NGOs
work toward these goals to ensure the welfare and protection of children around the world.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1) www.slideshare.net
2) Flamingo textbook class 12