2.

Lost Spring
(Anees Jung)
Stories of Stolen Childhood

ABOUT THE STORY hoped to see somne positive change in his life. However,
Introduction it is painfulto learn that in his attempt to procure abetter
"Iost Spring" is anextract from Anees Jung's book, 'Lost life Saheb has moved from one stage of exploitation to
another. He now Works for a tea stallowner and carries
Spring Stories of Stolen Childhood'. In this excerpt,
a milk canister which is heavier than his rag bag. As a
Anees expresses her concern about the exploitation
ofchildren in hazardous jobs like bangle making and ragpicker, at least he was his own master.
rag-picking. Anees argues that abject poverty and "IWANT TO DRIVE ACAR"
thoughtless traditions result in the loss of innocence Mukesh is another young boy whom the author meets.
and much needed freedom and education during This boy belongs to a family of bangle makers in
childhood. The result is back-breaking work, dismal Firozabad. He wishes to be a motor mechanic and is
living conditions, submission to exploitation, and willing to walk miles for training. However, a peep into
acceptance of poverty as destiny. There is a dire need to the lives of his family members and other bangle
provide these poverty-stricken people, particularly makers like them reveals yet another squalor filled
children, a life of dignity and opportunities to dare, existence which is without hope or dignity. The writer is
dream and act freely. moved by the deplorable working conditions in the
glass furnaces. Poor ventilation, high temperatures,
Summary and dim lights cause loss of eyesight at an early age in
"SOMETIMES IFIND ARUPEE IN THEGARBAGE" the workers here. The writer is equally disturbed to see
The author, Anees Jung, writes about her experiences the living areas of these workers. Their houses do not
after meeting some children from the poorest strata of have windows, doors are wobbly, and walls may crumble
any time. Theirlanes stink withchoked garbage.
society. The first amongst them is a young refugee boy,
Saheb-e-Alam, from Bangladesh. He is a rag-picker who During the visit to the houses of bangle workers, Anees
Savita, a
does notgo to school because he does not have one
in also gets a chance to sneak into the lives of
Mukesh's
the [Link] of enthusiasm to help the boy, young girl in the bangle making industry,
Jung promises that she will open a school in his sister-in-law and his grandmother. A discussion with
neighbourhood but later feels embarrassed for making them makes it clear that these people have given up
a promise that she cannot keep. Over a period of time, efforts to improve their lot. They have accepted their
of
she meets more bovs like Saheb and notices that none victimisation as their destiny. Poverty and lack
vicious circle
of these children have worn shoes. An analysis reveals education has trapped these people in a
Even the men
that this practice is more due to lack of resources than a that seemsimpossible to escape from.
or make any
matter of habit. She visits their slum, Seemapuri, in folk do notwish to organize cooperatives
better life. The
other effort that could give them a
order tograsp their plight in abetter way. She is pained particularly face dual
children born in these families
l0 see their pathetic living conditions. The only benefit due to
victimisation. First, due to poverty and second,
these refugees have is an Indian ration card that enables police,
suppression at the hands of middlemen,
them to buy grains. They are compelled to accept their Mukesh is an
politicians, and bureaucrats. However,
late, for they have little choice in life. Picking garbage is a motor
exception and his determination to become
their sole means of survival.
mechanic shall perhaps be the first ray ofhope for all.
Anees meets Saheb again after a gap of few days. She
ENGLISH (CORE) - 12
15
LITERATURE COMPANION
 Alook into the lies of depraviny ledby the slum chilaen privileges for them. The spring of their life is lost owin.
isan attemptby theniter oerokra senseofrponshiliy tnextreme depravity and lack of awareness, Thus, the
ineahoneofusouok eollv tielhy thononktheiruplifmenm title aptly bringsout the tragic loss of the blessings of
THEME
childhood for those innocent ones who are victimg of
soc ial apathy.
Lost Spring deals with the miserable plight of strect
GIOSSARY
chien fond into lalorearly in life and hencedenicd
the opportunity ofeducation lhe authorhas taken the "SOMETIMESIFINDA RUPEE IN THE GARBAGE"

evample ofSahebe-Alam, a ragpicker and Mukesh, a .cncOUnter meet hy chance

hangle maker. Both of them find themselves in a vicious scrounging searchingfor sornething, especially
cie of social stigma, poverty and exploitation. While in ahaphazard or disorganised
Saheb gives up rag-picking in favour of a job at a tea fashion
shop Mukesh wants to be a nmotor mechanic. Both of
amidst inthemiddle of;among
them have an ardent desire to change their destiny and
mutters grumbles
both would love to play like normal children ifonly their
burdened lihes coukdpemit. Sabeb andMukeshrepresent " glibly without showing much thought
agrowing number of refugees, migrants and poor who . hollow (here) not sincere
are being forced to live a life ofpenury (poverty). . abound :exist in great numbers
Another theme that runs parallel is the callousness of " bleak : (ofasituation) not encouraging
societyand the political class towards the misery of these . shuffles his moves his feet in an awkward or
peaple. Both society and administration have an utter
feet embarrassed way
Lack of compassion, empathy and commitment towards Continuous
perpetual
the upliftnent of these children.
desolation (here) the state of a place that is
Thus, the newspaper feature"Lost Spring" sensitizes the
ruined or destroved
reader to the miserable plight of the poorest of the poor
and emphasizes the urgent need to endexploitation by panting breathing quickly with short
empowering then through education, awareness, and breaths, usually with one's mouth
forming cooperative organizations. open

TITLE acquaintance slight triendship

The title 'Lost Spring is a well-chosen title. The season periphery the outer edge of a particular
of spring is full of colour, fragrance, freshness, renewal
area

and growth Hence,the childhood of human life is often nmetaphorically virtually: symbolically as opposed
coInpated o spring Like spring,children o0are asource to literally
of great joy But, unfortunately, nillionsof children like squaters persos who live on land
Sabeb and Mukesh do not experience spring in then withoutpermission and without
bves Theis circusnstances do not let thel dream or Paying rent
bloon hey are condened to a life of abject poverty, wilderness undevelopedareaofland
yinding labour and patheic raditio)s. They are left devoid completely lacking in something
with so choe bul o undenake hazardous work in a
aching paining
lender aye in order to suppot henselves and their
farsnilies. bducalion, jplay and jpleasure are unthinkable Lalered oldandtom

ENGLISH (CORE)- 12
UTERATURECONAPANKON 16
 pitch their tents : set up their tents for a short time shanty a smallcrudely built shelter
transit homes : homes that provide temporary hutments a collection ofhuts

accommodation for refugees flickering (of a light or flame) going on and

off as it shines or burns
hums sings a tune with his lips closed
discarded drab : dull
rejected; no longer used
intently attentively; with great interest soldering : joining together
canister a container with a lid for holding sanctity : the state of being very important
tea, milk etc. and worth protecting
auspiciousness : good fortune
"IWANTTO DRIVE ACAR" dawn on her : she will begin to realize
mirage : illusion draped : covered
furnace an enclosed structure in which drained : very tired and withoutenergy
heat is produced for reducing ores reaped obtained after working hard
. dingy dark and dirty lament express great sadness or

slog work hard disappointment

beam : sparkle; glow mind-numbing: very boring
volunteers (here) offers himself (for some toil : hard work
service or understanding) vicious circle asituation in which one problem
causes another problem which
stinking : having a very strong unpleasant
smell then makes the first problem
WOrse
choked : blocked
hauled up made to appear in court or
hovels dirty houses that are unfit to live
before an authority for judgment
in
dragged pulled along with effort and
wobbly shaky difficulty
shack a small building, usually made of
apathy : indifference
wood or steel
distinct : clearly seen, heard, or felt
platters : large plates used for servingfood stigma : mark of disgrace
chopped cutinto fine pieces : to establish (something) by force
imposed
. frail : physically weak and thin Content : satisfied
veil a covering worn especially by hurtling moving very fast
Women to protect or hide the face
impoverished : very poor; without money
renovate repair andmake changes
lineage ancestry
implies suggests
mounds heaps
unkempt not neat; untidy

ENGLISH (CORE) - 12
LITERATURE COMPANION 17
 appropriately:
EXTRACTSFOR COMPREHENSION (d) Complete thesentence
brighten upif
answer the The bleak world ofchildren could
given below and that liststhe reasons why Saheb's
(Read the extracts
questions that follow) (e) Select the option
world hasbeen called 'bleak.
THEGARBAGE
SOMETIMES IFIND ARUPEE IN (1)Theabsence of parental
presence
(1) socio-economic conditions
(2)The poor
do," he mutters, looking away. "Go to address problems
"Ihave nothing else to hollow the (3) His inability to
immediately how
school," I say glibly, realising (4) His lack of
life-skills
advice must sound.
opportunities of schooling
[Link] they build one, (5) The denied
"There is no school in my (ii) (3) and (5)
() ()and (4)
Iwill go." (iv) (2) and (4)
half-joking. (ii) (2) and (5)
"Iflstart aschool, willyou come?"lask,
possible response
Yes,"he says, smilingbroadly. ) Select the option that could be the
of Saheb when Anees Jung
actually manages to
Afew days later Isee him running up to me."Is your school ready?"
say, embarrassed at having arrangea schoolfor him.
"Ittakes longer to build a school," I
meant. But promises like mine () Are you serious?
made a promise that was not
abound in every corner of his bleak
world. (i) Idon't want tostudy.
Sample Paper 2021-22; Modified}
{CBSE
(ii) Thave better thingsto do.
'lookingaway'suggests his
(a) Sahelb's muttering and (iv) Myfriends will laugh at me.
as
(iii) embarrassment of Saheb and the author
(i) anger (g) List one feeling each
(iv) anxiety evident from the extract.
(ü) shymess
extract to support the
(b) Find evidence from the ANSWERS
Saheb to go to
expression that the author's advice to (a) (iii) embarrassment
school was hollow. 'glibly'. She was not serious
(b) The narrator had advised
feelings and attitudes while advising, which made it a hollow
advice.
(c) Select the option that lists the
corresponding to thefollowing: pride
(C) (iii) () part concern, part hurt (2)
politicians, NGOS
(d) people (social reformers, governments,
(1) lask half-joking. made to those children
etc.) kept the promise they had
(2 .hesays, smiling broadly (e) (ii) (2) and (5)
Are you serious?
(i) ) part arrogance, part
seriousness ()
(g) Saheb: Expectation/disappointment
(2) hesitation
Author: Embarrassment/regret/guilt
irritation
(ii) (1)part amusement, part
(2) submissiveness (2)

( ) ()part concern, parthurt Unaware of what his name represents, he roams the streets
with his friends, an army of barefoot boys who appear like the
(2) pride
morning birdsand disappear at noon. Over the months, Ihave
(iv) ) parthumour, partearnestness come to recognise each of then.
(2) self belief
"Why aren't you wearing chappals?"l ask one.

ENGLISH (CORE) -1
LITERATURE COMPANION
 "My mother did not bring them down from the shelf" he answers ANSWERS
simply. (a) tog
ogive voice to their hopes,dreams, and struggles along
"Even if she did, he willthrow them off" adds another who is with adding asense of authenticity and realism to their
wearing shoes that do not match. plight thus making the experience nore engaging for the
reader.
When Icomment on it, he shuffles his feet and says nothing. "| anopinion
(b) ()
want shoes," says a third boy who has never owned a pair all his The boys, wBho come from very poor marginalised farmilies,
(c)
life. Travelling across the country Ihave seen children walking
pick rags in groups. They have no footwear. Their day
barefoot, in cities, on village roads. It is not lack of money but a startscarly in the morningand finishes by noon.
tradition to stay barefoot, is one explanation,
(d) "Over the nonths, Ihave come torecognize each of them."
(CBSE Sample Paper 23 24) protect
(e) (iii) "like your shoes. What natters is that they
(a) What is the writer's pupose in allowing tlhe boys to your feet."
Speak for themselves via dialogue, as opposed to () straightforward/uncomplicated/direct/clear
onlya uriter's comnnentary?
(3)
b) The line. "it is not lack of noney but a tradition to
stay barefoot"can be best classified as: Food is more important for survival than an identity. "If at the
() a fact (iii) atheme end of the day we can feed our families and go to bed without
fields
(i) aplotpoint an aching stomach,we would rather live here than in the
(iü) an opinion
that gave us no grain," say a group of women in tattered saris
(c Explain any one possible inference that can be drawn when I ask them why they left their beautiful land of green
from the line. "an army of barefoot boys who appear fields and rivers. Wherever they find food, they pitch their tents
like the norning birds and disappear at noon". that become transit homes. Children grow up in them,
d ldentify the line from the text that bears evidence to becoming partners in survival. And survival in Seemapuri
the fact that the writer 's association with the boys is means rag-picking. Through the years, it has acquired the
notarecent one. proportions ofa fine art. Garbage to them [Link] is their daily
le) Based on the context provided in the extract, select bread, a roof over their heads, even if it is a leaking roof. But for
the most likely comment that the writer would have a childit is even more. (CBSE Sample Paper 2020-21; Modified}
made, based on the boy'sreaction to the mismatched
(a) Thephrase 'transit homes'refer to the dwellings that are
shoes.
(i) unhygienic (iüi) tragile
() "Why are your shoes mismatched? That's not a (iv) temporary
good look" (i) inadequate
sentence
i1) "Don't worry about your shoes, you can wear a (b) ldentify the figure of speech used in the
"Garbage to them is gold".
matchingpair later." (iii) synecdoche
that they () hyperbole
(m) Tike your shoes. What matters is (iv) personification
protect your feet. (ii) simile
statenent
(iv) "Have you chOsento mismatch your shoes? (c) Ch00se the term whichBESTmatches the
an
() Complete the sentence with ONE word. "Food is more important for survival than
identity "?
Ihephrase "heanswers simply", suggests that he () lmnnorality (iü) Obligation
DOy sresponse to thewriter's question about why (iv) Ambition
(ii) Necessity
he wasn't wearing chappals was.

ENGLISH (CORE) - 12
LITERATURE COMPANION 19
 (d) Complete the following sentenceappropriately: losing the brightness of their eyes.
Mukesh's eyes bbeam
as
'Acquired the proportions ofa fine art'means. volunteers to take me home, which he
proudly says is he
(e) Select evidence from the extractto support the view
thatpoverty is avicious circle.
rebuilt.
being
SET-I
() Why does tlhe narrator consider garbage to be like (CBSE 2021-22; Modified)
(a) Why does the author
goldfor the rag-pickers? consider Mukesh's decision tx
(g) AnswerinONEword.
becomeamechanic as 'heinghis own master'?
(b) Connplete the sentence with ONE word.
What cause of human displacement is evident in
the extraCt? Through the expression "..looking straight into my
eyes," the narrator is trying to convey
ANSWERS that Mukesh
(a) (i) temporary displayed. .inexpressing his opinion.
(0) () hyperbole (c) The analogy of a mirage is an
() (ii)
for Mukesh 's dream because. appropriate analogy
Necessity
(d) rag-picking had become atask that involved skill and (d) What inferencecan be drawn
about the legal system
finesse ofthe countryfromthis statement?
(e) The expression "Children become partners in survival" (e) Select evidence from the extract to
support the view
indicates that poverty passedon fromparents to children that bangle-makers of Firozabad are
like a vicious circle. people.
ignorant
() Garbage is the only source of livelihood for
rag-pickers, () Complete thefollowing sentence
so it is precious to them like gold. appropriately:
Hunger
Mukesh feels proud to say that his house is being
rebuilt because.

I WANT TO DRIVE ACAR ANSWERS

(a) The decision to become a mechanic shall free Mukesh
(1)
from the bondage of bangle-making. As a mechanic, he
Mukesh insists on being his own master. "l will be a motor would not be obstructed and controlled by others.
mechanic" he announces. (b) courage/determination
"Do you know anything about cars?" lask. (c) his dream appears to betoo big to achieve at
present
(d) Laws are only as effective as they are implemented. They
"Iwilllearn to drive a car," he answers,looking straight into my
may not by themselves reform or correct society.
eyes. His dream looms like a mirage amidst the dust of streets
(e) The ignorance about children working in glass furnaces
that fill his town Firozabad, famous for its bangles. Every other
as illegal is evidence that shows that the bangle makers of
family in Firozabad is engaged in making bangles. It is the
Firozabad are ignorant people.
cenitre of India's glass-blowing industry where families have () it is uncommon for people of his class to have enough
spent generations working around furnaces, welding glass, resources for rebuilding house
making bangles for all the women in the land it seems.
SET-II (CBSE Question Bank; Modified}
Mukesh's farnily is among them. None of them know that it is
illegal for children like him to work in the glass furnaces with (a) The simile 'dream looms like a mirage amidst the
high ternperatures, in dingy cells without air and light; that the dust ofstreets'indicates that his dream was
law, ifenforced, could get him and all those 20,000children out (i) areality, yet seemed distant
of the hot furnaces where they slog their daylight hours, often (ii) lost inthe seaofdust
 (i) illusory and indistinct The cry of not having money to do anything except carry on
the business of making bangles, not evern enough to eat, ringsS
(iv) hanging in the dusty air
I will learn to drive a car,' lhe answers, looking in every home. The young men echo the lament of the elders.
(b) Little has moved with time, it seems in Firozabad, years of
straight into my eyes, This sentence highlights that mind-numbing toil have killed all initiative and the ability to
Mukesh was (CBSE Question Bank;Modified;
dream.
1. determined 2. fearless 3. hopeful 4. valiant
(a) Explain the expression 'She still has bangles on her
5. ambitious 6. stern
wrist, but no light in her eyes.
() Options l&5 (iii) Options 2 &5 (b) The pre-doninantfeeling that the readers get to
(ii) Options 2 &4 (iv) experience in this extract is
Options 3&6
(ii) indifference
c) State whether thegiven statement is TRUE or FALSE. (i) dismay
Firozabad is an enmerging centre of bangle industry (ii) hope (iv) delight
statement,
in the country. (c) Choose the term which BESTmatches the
d) Every otherfamily in Firozabad isengaged in making "The youngmen echo the lament ofther elders.
bangles indicates that (iii) reiteration
(i) acceptance
(ii) reflection (iv) doubt
() bangle making is the only industry that
flourishes in Firozabad
(d) Select evidence from the extract to support the view
(üi) the entire population of Firozabad is involved thatevery generation of bangle-makers is marred
in banglemaking by poverty.
(ii) majority of the population in Firozabad is (e) State whether the following statement is TRUE or
involved in bangle making FALSEin the light ofthe extract.
(iv) bangle making is the most loved occupation in Hardwork is not aguarantee to prosperity in life.
Firozabad ANSWERS

ANSWERS (a) Though she is married, her eyes are devoid ofhappiness.
(a) (ii) illusory and indistinct (b) (i) dismay
(b) (i) Options l &5 (c) (iii) reiteration

(c) False (d) "Little has moved with time" and "The young men echo
involved the lament of the elders."
(a) (iii) majority of the population in Firozabad is
(e) True
in bangle making
(2)
She still has bangles on her wrist, but no light in her eyes. "Ek
Wàqt ser bhar khana bhi nahin khaya." she says, in a voice
arained of joy. She has not enjoyed even one full meal in her
entire lifetime - that's what she has reaped! Her husband, an
Od man with aflowing beard says, "| know nothing except
Dà[Link] done is make a house for the family to live in."
hearing him one wonders if he has achieved what many have
Tailed in their [Link] has a roofover his head!

ENGLISH (CORE) 12
LITERATURE COMPANION 21
 SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS Q5. Mention the hazards of working in the glass
(to be answered in about 40 words each) bangles industry.
TEXTUALQUESTIONS (Foreign 201 1; CBSE Sample Paper 2015)
Glass bangles industry is disorganized and lacks
QI. What is Saheb lookingfor in the garbage dumps?
Where is he and where has hecome from? proper infrastructure and basic amenities. The
il-lit, ill-ventilated glass-blowing
(AICBSE 2008; 2015) furnaces have
dingy hovels with high temperatures where
Saheb is looking for itenns like clothes,shocs, bits andwomen work in unhygienic
children
ofmetal. plastic scrap etc. He is aragpicker and for conditions. Lack
him these items are precious like gold. He lives in ofprotective eye gear, longworking hours and back
Seemapuri, a slum on the outskirtsof Delhi. He
breaking postures cost them their health and
ages them prematurely.
has come from Dhaka, Bangladesh, in the wake of
1971 Indo-Pak war. Q6. How is Mukesh's attitude to his situation
different
Q2. What explanations does the author offer for the
from thatof his family? (Foreign 2009)
Or
children notwearing footwear? Or
What is Mukesh's attitude towards the family
What does the reference to chappals in "Lost
business of making bangles? (Foreign 2016)
Spring" tell us about the economic condition of
the ragpickers? (AICBSE 2016)
Unlike his family members, who have resigned to
their fate, Mukesh has an enthusiastic attitude
The author tries to explain that staying barefoot is and he is ready to walk miles to train as a motor
an ancient Indian tradition. However, she understands
mechanic. He is not willing to be entrapped in the
the truth that, in India,staying barefoot is a forced
vicious craft of making bangles that has killed all
condition due to utter poverty instead of a faithful initiative in his family members.
adherence to an old tradition.
What forces conspire to keep the workers in the
Q3. Is Saheb happyworking at the tea-stall? Explain. bangle industry of Firozabad in poverty?
Or (AICBSE 2009; Foreign 2010)
Lack of education, stigma of being born in bangle
How was Saheb's life at the tea-stall? (Foreign 2015)
makers' community, and craftiness ofthesahukars,
Saheb is not happy working at a tea-stall. Although middlemen, politicians and police conspire to keep
this job has provided him with a fixed monthly the workers in the bangle industry of Firozabad
income of Rs. 800, it has taken away from him the in poverty. Broken spirit, lack of initiative, and
privilege of being carefree and being his own
leadership also do not let them loosen the grip of
master. His life at the tea-stall was marked by
poverty.
over-work and burden.
Q4. What makes the city of Firozabad famous? ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
The city of Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh is famous Q8. What reason does Saheb's mother cite to her son
for manufacturing bangles-the symbol of "Suhaag' for leaving their homeland? What name do we
give to such people?
and auspiciousness in marriage in India. It is the
centre of India's glass-blowing industry where Saheb's mother tells him that they had to leave
families have spent generations working around their honmeland, Bangladesh, because their home
furnaces, welding glasS, to adorn the wrists of and fields had been destroyed by numerous
Women. storms, driving them to want and hunger.

LITERATURE COMPANION 22 ENGLISH (CORE) - 12

 Such people, who leave their country for social, barefoot boys' is a metaphor describing the
economic or political reasons and seek shelter in largeness of the group of rag pickers. 'Appear like
other countries,are called 'refugees'. the morning birds' is a simile where the boys have
09. Did Saheb become a rag picker out of choice? beencompared to the early chirpy birds that are
Give reasons for your answer. the first to catch the worm.
No, Saheb did not become arag picker out of Q14. What wasthestory oftheman from Udipi?
choice. We conclude this when he mutters to the Theauthor had met a priest's son from Udipi who
author, "l have nothing else to do". Besides, he looks toldher that as ayoung school boy he would pray
away while offering this reason which indicates to God for a pair of shoes. Thirty years later, this
that becoming a ragpickerwas circumstantial. man's prayer was granted when the new priest's
010. Which advice does the author find to be hollow? school-going child now wore uniform, socks and
shoes.
Why?
The author finds her own advice, "Go to school", Q15. What was the condition of the town of the man

to be hollow. She offers this advice to Saheb whose from Udipi thirty years later?
situation is well understood by her. She knows The town and the temple wore a desolated look
that it is not possible for an urchin togo to school when the author went there after thirty years.
even ifhe wants to. However, there were red and white plastic chairs

Q11. Why is the author embarrassed when Saheb in the backyard where the new priest lived. His
inquires about her school? young son was dressed in grey uniform and was
wearing socks and shoes.
Saheb's query about the school embarrasses the
author because she too, like others, had made a Q16. Why do slums like Seemapurimushroom around
bleak promise that was never meant. She was not big cities?
serious when she had asked him that if she were to The illegal slums like Seemapuri abound around
start a school, would he attend it. big cities because there are abundant menial
Q12. What is ironical about Saheb's name? tasks available here. The poor people manage to
Or sustain themselves by taking up these odd jobs.
Describe the irony in Saheb'sname. Besides, these people are a sizeable vote bank
(AICBSE 2015; Delhi 20l6) for the politically ambitious, and hence such
settlements flourish.
Saheb's full name is Saheb-e-Alam. It means 'lord
of the universe'. Ironically, Saheb is a poverty Q17. Despite being refugees, how do people in
stricken, barefooted, homeless ragpicker who Seemapuri have ration cards?
SCrounges the garbage dumpsof Delhito earn his The refugee population of Seemapuri is a large
these
livelihood. His name is thus in total contrast to his vote bank. So, providing ration cards to
sharks.
adversity. illegal occupants benefits the political
Q13. Explain the use of literarydevice(s) in the sentence However, the retugees gain because they use
benefits
"an army of barefoot boys whoappear like lhe these cards to get tood grains and other
morning birds and disappearatnoon." fromgovernment agencies.
The above sentence contains examples of (wo) Q18. Why is food more important for survival than
Iiterary devices - metaphor and simile. 'Arnmy of identity for the refugees of Seemapuri?

ENGLISH (CORE) - 12
LITERATURE COMPANION 23
 The refugees of Seemapuri have come from a land makeshift shacks with tin and tarpaulin roof
of want and deprivation. They are now at the without sewage, drainage or running water
mercy of those who have offered them shelter. Struggling for survival in the midst of
want and
Under these circumstances their sole concern is hunger, they take to pickingrags at an early age.
to stay alive. Thus, food is the most important 023. What did the garbage mean to the children of
thing for them. Seemapuriand to their parents? AI CBSE 2015)
Q19. The description of Seemapuricreates a very dismal Or
picture. Explain. (CBSESample Paper 2022-23}) What kind of gold did the people/of Seemapuri
The description of Seemapuricreatesa verydismal look for in the garbage?
(Foreign 2015)
picture as it reveals the patheticliving condition Or

there. It was home to 10000 ragpickers who had How do elders and children look at
garbage
been living there formore than thirty yearswithout differently?
any identities or permits. There were massive The elders are mature, so they view garbage as a
dumps of garbage, a perpetual state of poverty, Source of survival. The children are innocent and
wilderness, structures of mud, roofs of tin and find garbage as 'Gold' - an object wrapped in
tarpaulin. It had no school in the neighbourhood wonder. They search it more for thrill than for
and was devoid of sewage, drainage or running survival because they sometimes find a coin, a
water. currency note oracurio in it.
Q20. Why does the author describe children of slums 024. Why are 'shoes with a hole' a dream come true
aspartners in survival? for Saheb?
The author describes the children of slums as The discarded tennis shoes with holes are a dream
partners in survival because their situation come true for Saheb because he has walked
compels them to take up menial work at an early barefoot and thus values even the slightest
age in order to keep themselves alive and also to comfort. In addition,he has a strong desire to play
share the burden of their parents. tennis but getting any such chance is unlikely. So,
Q21. How has rag-picking acquired the proportions of the shoes might at least partially fulfil his dream.
a fine art for the dwellers of Seemapuri? Q25. What change occurred in Saheb's life? Was it a
Or change for the better or the worse? Give reason
Garbage is the lifeline of the ragpickers of in support of your answer. Or
Seemapuri. Explain. How did Saheb's life change at the tea-stall?
Detecting useful materials from the unwanted (Foreign 2016)
garbage is a fine art. Over the years this art has Saheb took up a job with a tea-stall owner after
become the lifeline and the sole source of survival
giving up rag-picking. This change brought him
for the people of Seemapuri. Therefore, this an assured monthly income but at the cost of his
seemingly useless job has acquired the proportions freedom. His own light polythene bag was
of a fine art. replaced by someone else's heavy steel milk
Q22. Describe the condition of children in slums as canister. Besides, the caretree phase of his life
observed by the author. also came to an end.

Children living in slums are an unfortunate lot. Q26. "Igo inside when no one is around." Where does
Bornto destitute refugee parents, they goWup inm Saheb go?Why?

ITERATURE COMPANION 24 ENGLISH (CORE) -12

 Why does he go there only when no one is around? around20,000 children who are made to work in
Saheb goes to the tennis courtof a neighbourhood dingy rooms without airor light.
club to use the siwing. He goes there only when no Q31. What instances in the chapter reveal that
one is around and when the friendly gatekeeper Pirozabad is a neglected city?
allows him. It is so because he docsnot want to be
The unhygienic garbage strewn streets without
shooed away humiliatingly by the afluent club basicamenities and the poor working and living
members.
conditions of the bangle makers of Firozabad
Q27)Saheb wanted to be a master of his own destiny. indicatethatit is aneglected place. The involvement
Comment. Or of20,000 children in the bangle industry, despite
Despite abject poverty, Saheb wanted to be a free anationwide ban on child labour,also reveals the
bird than abonded labourer. \Why? plightofthis city.
In order to change his situation of abject poverty Q32. Is Mukesh's sister-in-law's (Bhabhi's) life different
from that of Mukesh?
Saheb gave up rag-picking and took up a job at a
tea-stall. But his apparent unhappiness as a work No,the condition of Mukesh's sister-in-law is not
boundlabourover there indicated that he wanted different from that of Mukesh. This rail young
to be a free bird anda master of his own destiny woman has to shoulder the responsibility of the
than to be abonded labourer. whole family at such a tender age. Although she
doesn't work in glass furnaces yet she has to bear
Q28. Describe the atmosphere in glass furnaces. How the burden of household chores withdrawn
can working there affect the young children? behind a veil in a hovel-like home.
Glass furnaces of Firozabad are ill-lit, ill-ventilated. Q33. What has Mukesh's father achieved in life
unhvgienic and dingy hovels. Working for long despite yearsof hard and back-breaking labour?
hours in these hot furnaces with high temperatures
bends the backs of voung children, leads to lossof Arepresentative of the underpaid, overexploited
bangle makersof Firozabad, Mukesh's father has
vision at arn eary age and ages them prematurely. had ahand to mouth existence all his life. Despite
Q29. Why does Mukesh's dream of becoming a car exploring two professions, that of a tailor and a
mechanic looks like a mirage to the author? bangle-maker, he has not been able to build
The author knows that the social and economic either a pucca house for his family or provide
conditions in Mukesh's tOWn Firozabad and his education to his two sons.

Own limíted resources will definitely obstruct his O3A How does Mukesh's grandmother view the family
desire of becoming a car mnechanic. He belongs to occupation ofbangle making and its poverty?
afamily of bangle makers and breaking away from Or

this hereditary profession is going to be tough for "ltis his karam, his destiny". What is Mukesh's
him. family's attirde towards their situaion?
(Al CBSE 2015)
Q30. How does the ignorance of bangle makers leads
to the illegal employment of their children in the Mukesh's grandmother views bangle making as
glass industry? the destiny of her family. She believes that her
husband's blindness, their mistorune, and their
None of the bangle makers know that it is illegal
Tor children to work in the glass furnaces. Their impoverished condition, all are pre-destined.
She believes that his is Godl-given and cannot be
ignorance leads to the forced employment of
ENGLISH (CORE) -12
LTERATURE COMPANION 25
 changed. She accepts everything silently in the Every home of bangle makers in
name of karam or destiny. with the cry of financial Firozabad rings
depravity that inhibits all
Q35. How does birth in the caste of bangle makers alternatives of livelihood. In the absence of
becomeacurse for the children? money, theyoung feel as trapped as their
Their desire to dream of a elders
Birth in the caste of bangle makers has become a different has
life
curse for the children in irozabad. The fatalist crushed by mind- numbing hard work. been
attitude of their parents, their ignorance about Q40. Why are the people of
Firozabad averseto the
the illegality of this work, extreme poverty, lack of cooperative movement? Or
education and opportunity keeps them confined Why can't the bangle makers
within the harsh environment of bangle making into a cooperative?
organise themselves
(AICBSE 2012)
industry.
Illiteracy, unawareness, and acute poverty have
Q36. Why are the eyes ofbanglemakers more adjusted broken the spirit of both the old and the
to the dark than to the light? younger
generation of bangle makers. They fear inviting
The bangle makers work inside dark hutments the wrath of police in case they organise
themselves
next to flame of flickering oil lamps. Their work intoa cooperative. Absence of leadership and the
hours are long and occupy the entire day. Over a nexus of sahukars, middlemen and politicians
period of time their eyes adapt more to the dim also obstruct formation of
cooperatives.
lights inside their dingy work rooms and daylight Q41. What is the plight common to all bangle makers?
begins to bother them. Or
Q37. Who is Savita?Willwearing bangleson herwedding What is the vicious spiral that has trapped the
day eventually change her life? bangle makers of Firozabad?
Savita is a young girl who assists the elderly The bangle makers have been suffering for
women in making bangles. When she grows up generations because of neglect and exploitation.
and gets married, her wrists would be adorned by They are plagued by the plight of dejected spirits
these bangles. But ironically, it would not bring and resignation to fate. The vicious spiral that
any positive change in her life. She too would traps them moves from poverty to apathy, greed
struggle hard to fight want and hunger. and injustice.
Q38. What has put a stop to all initiative and abilityto Q42. What, according to the author, is the child worker
see dreams? Or in Firozabad weighed down under?
Or
Why do bangle makers lack initiative and an What two distinct worlds does Anees Jung speak
ability to dream?
of with respect to children engaged as bangle
Acute poverty, ignorance about the law, absence makers?
of infrastructure, and exploitation by the middlemen According to the author, a child worker in
have collectively killed the initiative in the bangle Firozabad, is weighed down by two distinct
makers. Back-breaking hard work atglass furnaces worlds. The first is the world ofhis poverty-ridden
has killed their desireto dream for a better future. family and caste stigma which forces him to
They have accepted poverty as their fate. [Link] second is the world of sahukars,
Q39. What is the 'cry' thatrings inevery honme ofbangle middlemen, policemen, bureaucrats and
makers of Firozabad? politicians which exploits and oppresses him.

ENGLISH (CORE) -12

LITERATURE COMPANION 26
 Q43. Howis) Mukesh differentfrom his peers?
by the poor people. As a journalist, she wielded
Or
the power of pen to make the countrymen aware
"Mukesh is a rebel." Do you agree? Give reasons about these issues.
in supportof youranswer. Or
Q47. What do wecome to know about the author of
Describe Mukesh as an ambitious person. Lost Spring, Anees Jung, through her interactions
(Foreign 2015) with Saheb and Mukesh? (Sample Paper 2022-23)
Mukesh, like his pcers,is born in apoverty-ridden Anees Jung's interactions with Saheb and Mukesh
family of bangle makers and he too is compelled reveal that she observes the condition of these
by circunnstances to adopt his ancestral occupation. boys in detail with utmost sensitivityandempathy.
But he is an ambitious person who rebels family She is truly moved by their plight. As a writer, she
tradition. He dares to dream ofa different life and successfully and faithfully depicts their condition
walks miles to train himself asa motor mechanic. but feels helpless about her inability todo anything
044. Why do you think Mukesh is content to dream of for them.

cars and doesn't dream of flying a plane?

{CBSE Question Bank}
Mukesh comes from afamily that has resigned
itself to its fate. Daring is not a part of his growing LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
(tobe answered in about 150 words each)
up. Besides, few planes fly over his city. So he is
content with his dream about cars that he has TEXTUALQUESTIONS
seen people drive around, and does not intend to
Q1. What could be some of the reasons for the
fly a plane. migration ofpeople from villages to the cities?
Q45. Do you believe that 'God-given lineage can be People nmigrate from villages to cities because the
broken'? Support your position witha rationale.
social, economic and political environment in
Or {CBSE Question Bank}
the villages deprives them of the basic things
Validate the argument that 'our lineage cannot required for survival. Every human being needs
define us'. food, clothing and shelter. Acquiring these three
Lineage is not something God-given but a social things becomes a tireless struggle for the villagers
construct. The democratic fabric of our country owing to lack of facilities, absence of opportunities
sanctions equality for all. Therefore, lineage must and at times oppression by the money-lenders
not be allowed to define us. We can break it by and middlemen. So, the villagers are left with no
acquiring the skills as per our aptitude and choice but to move elsewhere in search of means
interest rather than familial occupations. for survival. These poverty-stricken people are
Q46. How do you think the author's life might have driven bytheir unfavourable circumstances and
therefore they move to the urban peripheries.
been impacted after her interactions with the
children and their families mentioned in 'Lost Some villagers migrate in search of better
Spring'? (CBSE Question Bank} livelihood; some arrive simply to sustain
The author, Anees Jung, must have been moved themselves, while some others are driven by
droughts, floods or natural calamities. Besides,
after her interaction with the neglected section of urban settlements ofter a plattorm that provides
society. This brought her closer to the ground
greater options and tacilities. Thus, the natural
reality of the pitiable circumstances experienced

LITERATURE COMPANION 27 ENGLISH (CORE)- 12

 instinct to survive plays a prominent role in the
city boundjourney of themigrants. conspiring to keep the labour class
suppressed
He must plan his training at the earliest and
Would you agree that promises made to poor devote his entire energy towards
With youthful enthusiasm and a realizing aim
children are rarely kept? How do the incidents his
narrated in the text explain this? will
strong desire, he
succeed in breaking the shackles that have
There is no denying the fact that promises made bound him.
to the poor children are rarely kept. Most of the 04. Why should child labour be
rich, who come in contact with poor children, do
eliminated and how?
Child labour should be totally
not even acknowledge their presence. They see abolished because
engaging young children in hazardous activities
them begging,picking rags, selling small objects, retards their proper development and affects
polishing shoes or wiping windshields of their their growth. In the process the nation also loses a
swanky cars but there is hardly any interaction prospective human resource. It leads to such
between them. Whenever some individual pauses permanentdamages that hamper the progress of
to listen to them, it is more out of a sense of acountry in particular and humanity at [Link]
curiosity than an intent to help. Promises made per our law children below the age of fourteen
during the course of such interaction are generally cannot be employed as labour. However, reality is
thoughtless suggestions which are never meant to far removed from what is desired. Domestic
be fulfilled. households and numerous industries blatantly
Saheb,the rag picker from Seemapuri, is one such employ young children who are a source of cheap
labour.
example. The author ignites a spark in him when
she casually inquires if he would join the school In order toeliminate child labour, creatingpublic
that she might open. She offers something which awareness through print, audio and visual media
she does not mean to do and in the process fails to is mandatory. Strict and sincere enforcement of
the law banning child labour is essential to
see the disappointment that her unfulfilled promise
would cause. eliminate this inhuman practice. Compulsory
andfree education for children upto 14 yrs of age,
Q3. How, in your opinion, can Mukesh realise his provisionof free and hygienic meals, and active
dream?
role by [Link] to generate awareness will also go
Mukesh has already taken the first step to make a longway in protecting our young generation.
his dream come true. Unlike his peers, who have
been weighed down by years of slogging, Mukesh ADDITIONALQUESTIONS
still retains a hope in his heart and aspark in his Q5. Like allchildren of his age, Saheb also had many
hopes and dreams. Do you think children like
spirit. Despite his miserable condition he has
dared to dream of adifferent vOcation. He views Sahebare able to fulfil their dreams? Or
the world around him with open eyes and Saheb wants to blossom and bloom but is nipped
understands that with some training one day he in the bud. How?
will be able to becomea motor mechanic. He can Saheb, a ragpicker, made his living by scrounging
definitely realize hisdream ifhe stands his ground garbage dumps. Observing children from
firm and remains unmoved by any force. It is the affluent families awakened in him a yearning to
willpower and determination that will eventually be like them. He wanted to own a pair of shoes,
see him through the nexus of corrupt forces was readyto go to school, wanted to play tennis

ENGLISH (CORE) -17

LITERATURE COMPANION 28
 andlead a respectable life. In an attempt to fulfil and luxury accessible to the rich.)This stark
his dreams, Saheb joined a tea-stall for Rs 800 per contrast between the facilities and growth of the
month, and did odd jobs for the owner. The two worlds make them far apart metaphorically in
assurance of asalary atthe end of the month took spite ofbeing so close physically.
him a step further from his hand to mouth existence Q7. Keeping in view the situation of refugees in
as a ragpicker.
Seemapuri,comment upon the exploitation of
However, this change would not be enough in thepeople living here by the politicians for their
overcoming the endless hurdles that shall nip his own benefit.
dreams in the bud. Children born in abject Refugees in Seemapuri are a glaring example of
pOverty like Sahebare unabletoimprove their lot the exploitation of the people living in slumsby
because in the absence of support, guidance and the politicians for their own benefit. These
facilities they cannot find a way out of their plight. Bangladeshi refugees have been living here for
They merely manage to move from one rung of more than four decades and have been earning
depravity to other. Eventually, they resign to fate their livelihood through rag-picking. It is worth
and give up their dreams. pondering that they do not have access to any
06. Slums are the ugly underbelly of all big cities the basic amenity except a valid ration card. It is true
world over. Describe the contrasting world of that the ration card enables them to buy grain at
'Haves' and'Have-nots' inhabiting these two worlds. subsidized rate but it is also true that these have
Or been issued to them by crafty politicians who
How is Seemapuri miles away from Delhi in spite recognize a massive vote bank in the more than
Or 10,000 settlers here. A false ray of hope comes to
ofbeing on its periphery?
The barefoot ragpickers of Seemapuri live onthe them during the electionswhen they are offered
free gifts and hollow promises in exchange for
periphery of Delhi, yet metaphorically speaking, their votes. Sadly, none of these promises are
miles away from it. Comment.
fulfilled. Their only acquisition after more than
(AI 2009C; Foreign 2013)
four decades has been a life in unhygienic
It is a harsh reality that all affluent cities are conditions without sanitation facilities, water
surrounded by slums. Just as a coin has two sides, and electricity connections.
every city has two faces - the bright, illuminated
world ofthe 'haves' and the dark, dingy, depressing Q8. For most women, bangles are dreams in glass,
but for bangle makers of Firozabad they are a
world of the 'have-nots'. The poor exist on the
vicious circle they cannot wriggle out of. Comment.
periphery, constantly yearning for the bright Or
worldand the rich maintain the glamour of their
Describe the circumstances which keep theworkers
world by exploiting the hapless [Link] barefoot in the bangle industry in poverty.
ragpickers of Seemapuri,too live on the periphery Or (Delhi 2015)
of Delhi yet are metaphorically miles away from it. Describe the difficulties the bangle makers of
Seemapuri slum is the ugly underbelly that helps to Firozabad have to face in their lives. (Delhi 20o15)
maintain the beauty of the city. The people in
Or
these slums do not have even the basic amenities beautiful
whereas they clean and maintain the sparkling The bangle makersof Firozabad make
bangles and make everyone happy but they live
gloss ofthe metro. They are an intrinsic part ofcity (Delhi2010)
life but their lives are far removed from the comfort and die in squalour. Elaborate.

ENGLISH (CORE) -12

LITERATURE COMPANION 29
 Multi-coloured bangles have been a symbol of many hurdles to cross before
'suhaag' (long lite of lhusband) and auspicioIsness The obstruction posed by making it a reality.
poverty, want, hunger
in our countrysince centuries. In today's world. unceasing toil and the scheming
they are also a fashion statement. The bangle would hardly ever leave Mukesh with middlemen
enough
makers of Firozatbad make everyone happy with time to convert his dre ms to
reality. In the
the rainbow colours and bright hues of the absence of opportunity and
bangles they make. But ironically, theythemselves assistance required
tofulfilhis dream,it is quite likely that he too shal
live and die in squalour. Theglass furnaces, where endupin despair like his elders.
these workers make bangles, are ill-it and ill
Q10. What is aCooperative novement?Why does Anees
ventilated dingy hovels with high temperatures.
People who work in these funaces are able to suggest to bangle makers to form a cooperative?
manage barely one square meal a day. They live in What role model can they follow?
shacks with temporary roofs, crumbling walls and Cooperative movement is a socially and
wobbly doors. To add to their misery, the glass cconomically beneficial concept especially for
dust rolbs themof their eyesight al ayoung the unorganized small sector industry. It has
age.
Abject poverty forces the parents to involve their revolutionizedmany alives of people engaged in
children in this industry quite carly in life depriving minor crafts. Earlier, despite all their hard work
them of the joys of childhood. Owing to lack of the craftsrmen could not make many gains. Only
organization and ignorance about their rights, the middlemen benefitted from their skill. The
thebangle makers are trapped in a vicious circle workers of the bangle industry also fall in this
they cannot wriggle out of. category of unorganized sector which is at the
Q9. Why is Mukesh's dream of becoming a motor mercy of middlemen. Anees suggests them to
mechanic likened to a mirage? Or form a cooperative because she wants these
"Mukesh is not like the others. His dreams look craftsmen to attain the true worth of their toil.
She is of the view that the formation of
like a mirage amidst the dust of streets that fill
his town Firozabad". Justify the statement in the cooperative shall succeed in relieving these
light of contrast in the mindsets of Mukesh and workers from the clutches of greedy sahukars.
the people of Firozabad. (Sample Paper 2018) middlemen, politicians and police.
The bangle makers can follow the example of the
Mukesh,the young child labourer of Firozabad, is
a representative of nearly 20,000 children born in hugely successful brand 'Amul' managed by a
poverty in the caste of bangle makers. Lack of cooperative body, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk
education and awareness, stigma of caste and the Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMME) which is
vicious nexus between sahukars, middlemen, jointly owned by 3.6 million milk producers in
politicians and police have killed all initiative in Gujarat. Today, Amul is the largest food brand in
the other members of his community. They are India manufacturing milk powder, chocolates,
butter, cheese,ice cream and other dairy products
weighed down by the baggage of generations of
subservience and have forgotten to dreanm of a QL. "Saheb and Mukesh are brothers in penury and
different world. However, Mukesh does dare to suffering." Discuss. Or

dream of a different life as a motor nechanic. But How is Mukesh's attitude towards his situation
(Delhi 2015)
unfortunately bis dream seenns to be like amirage ditferent from that of Saheb?Why?
because despite appearing to be attainable he has Or

ENGLISH (CORE)
uTERATURE COMPANION 30
 How is Mukesh more ambitious in life than Saheb? This defiance would certainly pave way for a better
Give a reasoned answer. (Foreign 2013) life and shall be an example worth emulating by
Isaheb and Mukesh belong to the same strata of other bangle makers of Firozabad.
society and hence share a common fate, Their Q13. Moved by Anees Jung's account of theragpicker's
poverty ridden lives make them brothersBoth of plight, you decide towrite an article for your
them suffer owing to absence of opportunities and school magazine. In the article discuss the
awareness However, Mukesh is more ambitious different values that society needs to inculcate
and his attitude towards his situation is different to help these people loosen the grip of their
from that of Saheb. Unlike Saheb, Mukesh refuses pathetic circumstances. Draft the article in
about 150 words.
to be cowed down by his circumstances. He makes
dares to TOWARDS A BRIGHTER TOMORROW
a serious attemptto improve his lot and
(by Salimn Ali)
defy tradition by preparing himself for a non
traditional profession. He is more ambitious Aragpicker's life lacks the tenderness of
childhood.
perhaps because he is a natural citizen of
the Barefooted, these young children roam about
country and his family has been
suffering at the rummaging through the garbage dumps to dig
them survive.
hands of exploiting factorssince many
generations. out materials that would help
the heaps of
Saheb is a refugee who has
fewer rights than Sadly, their childhood gets buried in
they work and
Mukesh. Besides,his family has been in
India only trash. Suffocating stench,inwhich
as their future.
is yet to develop the live, stifles their present as well
for the past few decades. He a life of despair?Will
and paving new Are they destined toleadsuch
daring streak of defying tradition denied all opportunities?
options for himself. they be perpetually the task to
itself
destiny" that made Mukesh's Shouldn't the society take upon
(Q12) "It is his karam, his bravely and refuse to
Mukesh disprove encourage them to face life
grandfather go blind. How did and acceptmiseriesas their destiny?
choosing a new vocation
this belief by needs to inculcate a
(Delhi 2015C) Undoubtedly, the society
makinghis own destiny? commitment towards the
upliftment of these
blindness was not the indifference
Mukesh's grandfather's children. We need to
get over our
ofhis karam or destiny as was believed by We should supportand help
outcome subservience towards their plight. should
Rather it was due to their ofthe mire of [Link]
his family. accepting the them come out initiative and
circumstances. Instead of guide themto take
to attempting to fight encourage and the support
challenges posed by life and varied skills. It is only with
soughtrecourse develop lives too shallbe
unison, they simply these young
odd forces in Mukesh chose anew from societythat
is why, when dignity.
in [Link] disproved this able to live with
make his own destiny, he
story, 'Lost Spring' highlight the
vocation to shaped by our Q14. How does the powerto end the
that destiny is those in
belief. He realized fosters the negative apathyofsociety
and
passivity further viciouscycleofpoverty:
actions and Thus, he decided
to
that work against us, with textualevidence.
factors optfor an answer
motor mechanicand Supportyour (CBSE Question Bank}
seek training asa step was
non-traditional vocation. This Seenapuri, a slum not
far
altogether physical ragpickers live in
in order to breakthe nexus of The locality of Delhi. They have
mandatory conspired for posh
social factors that had awayfrom a
and makers.
break the spirit of bangle
generations to ENGLISH (CORE) - 12

31
 Most ofour countrymen are ignorant about thei,
been here since 1971 but are ignored conveniently
rights and hence are afraid to venture out of
bythe aftluent sections of society. The politicians
Comfort zones. They restrict their lives totheir
th
and others inpower pay heed to them only during conservative traditions and lineage within which
election time. The only identity provided to these
their names they growup. Thisvicious circle condemns eves
poor ragpickers is ration cards so that
their children who tow the lines of their fathers
can be on the voter list. They do not have any
and forefathers. Absence of education further
facility like schools for their children or fruitful
pushes them backwards and they accept their
occupations. They are confined by the society to
situation as their destiny. Lack of guidancemakes
do menial jobs like scrounging the garbage for
their surival.
them fatalistic and they do not dare to break the
burden of poverty that engulfs them. This
The bangle makers of Firozabadalso faceasimilar situation is worrisome but it can be broken. The
plight. The middlemen, police, politicians,
government will haveto take bold initiatives and
bureaucrats, keepers of law - everybody has got
the people fromn the affluent sections of society
together and imposed a baggage of subjugation will alsohave to pitch in. The right to education.
on these folks that they cannot put down. The the law against child labour, the easy availability
of
social system does not voice the sad situation of loans for self-employment, and the availability
people living in abject poverty. The writer too, of free training in various skills to poor children
admits that she had mnade a hollow promise to are some of the methods that can
certainly
open schoolfor Saheb and other children like him. alleviate the poor.
condemn
Q15. Certain traditions and lineage,
thousands of children to a life of abject poverty
and choke their aspirations. /CBSE Question Bank!

Do you agree? Explain.

How can we change this? Suggest some
ways to tackle thisissue.