ost

Made by;-
Naman Khatri, Roll no. 22
Class: XII 'F'
 OfCS
•Acl<nowledgement
•Introduction
•About The Author
-summary
•Theme OfThe Project
•Consequences
•Interview
•Report
•Conclusion
•Certificate
•Bi~ iography
JI Cl;
~
 Acknowledgement
I would like to thanks our english teacher, Mr
D.P Chand sir for giving me the opportunity
to make the project on such a good topic. I
would also like to thank him for guiding me
throughout this project.

I would also like to thank my parents fort ~

support and encouragement without whi ~
could not complete it in such a short peril
of time
 Child labour is a harsh reality that continues to plague many
parts of the world, denying children their right to education,
play, and a dignified life. In the chapter "Lost Spring" by Anees
Jung, this issue is brought to light through the poignant stories
of children who are trapped in cycles of poverty and
exploitation. The title "Lost Spring" symbolizes the lost
childhoods and unfulfilled dreams of these young souls.

The chapter centers around two stories-Saheb, a ragpicker

from Seemapuri, and Mukesh, a child worker in the bangle-
making industry of Firozabad. Saheb spends his days
scavenging through garbage heaps, dreaming of going to
school, but his reality confines him to a life of poverty and
hard labor. In contrast, Mukesh works in hazardous conditions
making bangles, a trade passed down through generations.
Despite the bleakness of his circumstances, Mukesh dares to
dream of becoming a motor mechanic, offering a glimmer of
hope.

"Lost Spring" serves as a powerful commentary on the

devastating impact of child labour. It highlights how children,
who should be the future of the nation, are burdened with
responsibilities far beyond their years. The chapter challenges
us to reflect on the social and economic inequalities that
perpetuate such exploitation and emphasizes the urgent need
to protect children's rights, ensuring that every child has the
opportunity to experience a true "spring" in their lives-full of
growth, learning, and dreams.
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Anees Jung is a renowned Indian author, journalist, and

columnist, widely respected for her insightful and empathetic
portrayals of social issues, particularly those concerning
women and children in India. Born in 1944 into a well-
educated and cultured family in Hyderabad, Jung grew up in
an environment that valued education, literature, and social
consciousness. Her father, Nawab Hosh Yar Jung, was a
scholar and a poet, and her mother, a writer, was instrumental
in shaping her literary and intellectual inclinations.

Jung pursued her education in Hyderabad and later attended

the University of Michigan in the United States, where she
earned a degree in journalism. This academic background
provided her with a solid foundation in writing and critical
thinking, which she would later use to shed light on the
complexities of Indian society.
 Anees Jung began her career as a journalist, contributing to
various national and international publications. Her work often
focused on social issues, especially those affecting the

. .,
., marginalized and voiceless segments of society. Through her
writing, she brought attention to the struggles of women,

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children, and the poor, giving them a platform to share their
stories with the world .

l One of her most significant works is "Unveiling India,"

published in 1987, where she explores the lives of women in
India through a series of interviews and personal stories. This
book was highly acclaimed for its deep and compassionate
exploration of the challenges faced by Indian women in both
rural and urban settings. It established her as a leading voice in
Indian literature and journalism, known for her sensitivity and
commitment to social justice.

"Lost Spring," a chapter from her book "Stories of Stolen

Childhood," is another powerful piece that highlights the plight
of children trapped in child labour. Through vivid storytelling
and a journalistic approach, Jung captures the everyday
realities of t hese children, offering readers a glimpse into their
world of poverty and exploitation. Her work is characterized by
a deep sense of empathy and a desire to advocate for change,
making her a significant figure in the discourse on child rights
and social inequality in India.

Anees Jung's work continues to inspire readers and writers

alike, as she remains a voice for the underprivileged and a
champion for social change. Her writing not only informs but
also compels readers to reflect on the social structures that
perpetuate inequality and to consider their role in creating a
more just and equitable society.
 "Lost Spring," a chapter from Anees Jung's book "Stories of
Stolen Childhood," offers a heart-wrenching look into the
lives of children who are victims of poverty and child labour
in India. Through this chapter, Jung sheds light on the lost
childhoods of millions of children who are denied their basic
rights and are instead forced into laborious work to survive.
The chapter is divided into two parts, each telling the story of
a different child and their struggle against the harsh realities
of life.

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The first part of the chapter focuses on Saheb, a young boy
who migrated from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to Seemapuri, a slum
on the outskirts of Delhi. Saheb's family, like many others, was
driven away from their homeland by the relentless storms
and poverty, in search of a better life. However, the reality
they face in India is far from the dreams they once had.
Seemapuri, where Saheb lives, is a settlement of ragpickers,
people who scavenge through garbage to find anything of
value that they can sell for a few rupees.

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 Saheb and other children of his age spend their days
rummaging through the garbage heaps, hoping to find
something valuable. The title of this section, "Sometimes I
find a Rupee in the Garbage," reflects the small and rare
moments of joy these children experience when they find
something of worth. For Saheb, the garbage is like a treasure
trove, a place where he might find something that could bring
him a little happiness or help him survive another day

Despite the grim conditions, Saheb is still a child with dreams.

He expresses his desire to go to school, but the harsh reality
of his life forces him to continue ragpicking. One day, Saheb
gets a job at a tea stall, where he earns 800 rupees a month
and gets all his meals. However, this job, which initially seems
like a step up from ragpicking, strips him of the little freedom
he had. He no longer roams the streets f reely, and he is
bound by the responsibilities of his job. The loss of his
freedom is symbolized by the fact that although he now holds
a job, the "steel canister" he carries is heavier than the
"plastic bag" he used to carry. The job, though providing a
regular income, symbolizes the loss of Saheb's childhood and
the end of his dreams.
 The second part of the chapter tells the story of Mukesh, a
young boy from Firozabad, a city known for its bangle-making
industry. Firozabad has been associated with the craft of
bangle-making for generations, and almost every family in the
city is involved in this trade. The industry is infamous for
exploiting child labour, with children working in hazardous
conditions, surrounded by furnaces, glass, and toxic fumes.

Mukesh's family, like many others in Firozabad, is deeply

entrenched in the bangle-making t rade. His father, grandfather,
and even his younger brother work in the same industry.
However, Mukesh is different. He has a dream-to become a
motor mechanic. Unlike others in his community who accept
their fate without question, Mukesh is determined to break free
from the shackles of tradition and poverty. He wants to learn
how to drive and repair cars, a desire that is both unusual and
courageous given his circumstances.

The conditions in which Mukesh and his family work are

appalling. The dingy, dark rooms where they make bangles
have no ventilation, and the children working there often lose.
 their eyesight before they even become adults due to
prolonged exposure to the heat and the harmful substances
used in the process. Despite these conditions, the workers
continue to toil in the hope of earning a meager livelihood.
The people of Firozabad are trapped in a cycle of poverty and
exploitation that has been perpetuated for generations. They
lack the awareness and means to fight against their situation,
and those who do try to break free often face resistance from
society and the very people they seek to help.

Mukesh's story highlights the resilience and determination of

a young boy who refuses to be a victim of his circumstances.
His dream of becoming a motor mechanic is symbolic of his
desire to break free from the cycle of poverty and tradition
that binds his community. However, the chapter also raises
the question of whether Mukesh will be able to realize his
dreams in a society that is set up to keep children like him
trapped in a life of labour.

"Lost Spring" is a powerful narrative that exposes the harsh

realities of child labour in India. Through the stories of Saheb
and Mukesh, Anees Jung provides a window into the lives of
millions of ch ildren who are deprived of their childhood and

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forced into laborious work to survive. The chapter serves as a
poignant reminder of the socio-economic inequalities that
exist in society and the urgent need for change. It challenges
readers to reflect on the plight of these children and
consider the roles that individuals and society as a whole
must play in addressing the issue of child labour.
 01rme
The central theme of this assignment is the exploration of
child labour, focusing on its pervasive impact on children,
society, and the economy. Through the lens of the chapter
"Lost Spring" by Anees Jung, the assignment delves into the
harsh realities faced by millions of children forced into labour,
depriving them of education, health, and a chance at a better
future. The project emphasizes the need for collective action
-by governments, communities, businesses, and individuals-
to eradicate child labour and break the cycle of poverty and
exploitation . It highlights the importance of education as a
fundamental right and a powerful tool to combat child labour,
while also examining the broader societal and economic
consequences of failing to address this issue. Ultimately, the
assignment calls for a deeper understanding and c~=-·~ itment
to protecting children's rights and ensuring a ""'""'---- nd
equitable society for all.
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Child labour has profound consequences on multiple levels-
societal, individual, and financial-creating a ripple effect that
hinders progress and perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality.

From a societal perspective, child labour undermines the

fabric of a community by perpetuating cycles of poverty
and illiteracy. When children are forced into labor instead of
attending school, they are denied the education necessary
to contribute meaningfully to society. This results in a
generation that lacks the skills and knowledge to improve
their living conditions or to drive societal progress.
Moreover, the prevalence of child labour perpetuates si \al
inequalities, as it is often the poorest and most vuln ~r~, ✓~
children who are exploited, further entrenching ivi\jons
within society. ~
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~ A ~ vidual level, child labour has devastating effects
\ oji~ h'ild's physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
~ engaged in laborious work often face hazardous
conditions that can lead to serious injuries, chronic
illnesses, and even death. The lack of education and
proper upbringing deprives them of opportunities for
personal growth and development, trapping them in a
cycle of poverty and limiting their future prospects.
Additionally, the psychological impact of child labour-
such as stress, trauma, and a loss of childhood innocence
•
-can lead to long-term emotional scars, affecting their
ability to form healthy relationships and integrate into
• society as adults .
•

• Economically, child labour is detrimental to long-term

• financial growth. While it may provide short-term
financial relief to families in extreme poverty, it deprives
.the economy of a skilled and educated workforce in the
long run. Countries that rely heavily on child labour olt~n
suffer from stagnation, as their workforce is not eq ~i~ eq,~
to innovate or compete in a global market. Mori~~ r, th~A
prevalence of child labour can deter foreigrr in tme ~ --/
as companies seek to avoid associations with u ,l
labor practices, further hindering ec-
development. ('
 'Interview

d,how do you think child labour impacts a

child's future opportunities?

Father's Answer: "Child labour severely limits a

child• s future opportunities. It denies them
education and skills development, which are crucial
for obtaining better job prospects. Without
education, children are more likely to remain in
low-wage jobs throughout their lives, perpetuati
the cycle of poverty."
 ~m, What role do you think education plays
in combating child labour?

Mother• s Answer: "Education is essential in

combating child labour because it empowers
children with knowledge and skills, opening doors
to better job opportunities. By ensuring children
attend school instead of working, we can help
break the cycle of poverty and reduce the
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incidence of child labour.
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Naruto, How can governments effectively

address the issue of child labour?

Naruto' s Answer: "Governments can address child

labour by enforcing stricter laws and regulations,
improving access to education, and providing
support to impoverished families. Additionally,
creating economic opportunities and awareness
programs can help reduce the reliance on chil
labour and promote social change."
 Auestion: Grandma, What are some of the
diate effects of child labour on a child's
health?

Grandmother's Answer: "Immediate effects of

child labour on health include physical injuries from
unsafe working conditions, chronic illnesses from
exposure to hazardous substances, and malnutrition
due to inadequate food. These health issues ca
have long-term consequences on their overall
development and wel I-being."
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I: Question: Sukuna, In what ways can

munities support families to prevent child
labour?

Sukuna' s Answer: "Communities can support

families by providing access to free or affordable
education, offering financial assistance or social
services, and creating job opportunities for adults.
Support programs that educate families about the
negative impacts of child labour can also play
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crucial role.

?•
 Report
he responses gathered reflect a shared
, standing of the severe impact child labour
children's futures, health, and well-being.
cation is recognized as a key factor in
combating child labour, with a focus on the
importance of government enforcement and
community support. The emotional toll on children,
along with the long-term societal and economic
consequences, is evident. Businesses and individuals
are encouraged to adopt ethical practices and
support efforts to prevent child labour. Overall,
the responses highlight the need for collectiv
action to protect children's rights and break th
cycle of poverty.
 C([DN CIIJ[JJ § Il ([DN
The issue of child labour is a grave violation of
human rights, depriving millions of children of their
childhood, education, and future opportunities.
Through this project, we have explored the
devastating impacts of child labour on individuals,
society, and the economy. The insights from
various perspectives highlight the urgent need for
comprehensive solutions, including stronger laws,
educational access, and community support. It is
clear that eradicating child labour requires
collective action from governments, businesses,
communities, and individuals. By addressing the
root causes of poverty and exploitation, and
ensuring that every child has access to education
and a safe environment, we can work towards a
future where no child is forced into labour, and
every child can thrive.
CERTIFICATE
OF COMPLETION
TH IS CERT IF I CAT E I S PROUDLY PR ESEN T ED TO

Congratulations on the achievement you got. we hope th at in the

fu ture H can have a big impact on the progress of the country and
become a person who is responsible for what is given

Signature
Subject Teacher
 Bibliography of
the Project:
1 NCERT Textbook: Flamingo

2 My CBSE Guide

3 Pinterest

4 Byjus

s Subject Teacher