Revision Notes for Class 12 English
Flamingo Chapter 2 - Lost Spring
About the Author:
Anees Jung wrote Chapter 2 of Class 12 Flamingo (Prose), Lost Spring. She has been
an editor and writer for prominent newspapers in India and internationally. Anees has
written several books on Indian themes. She was born in Rourkela, India, and focuses
on exploring sensitive issues affecting the country.
About the Story/ Synopsis of the Story:
Lost Spring tells the tale of poverty among children from disadvantaged parts of our
country. Set in the towns of Seemapuri and Firozabad, the story delves into the lives of
children engaged in rag-picking and bangle-making. It explores their simple dreams and
the challenges they face in trying to achieve them.
The Theme of Lost Spring:
Lost Spring tells the tale of poor children who cannot even dream, let alone achieve
their dreams. The story's theme is to familiarize readers with Indian small towns where
marginalized communities like rag pickers and bangle makers fight daily for survival.
It highlights how these children lose their childhood early on, forced into their parents'
professions. The narrative also celebrates a few courageous souls who dare to dream
despite their circumstances.
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Character Sketches:
Saheb - He is a boy from Seemapuri, enjoys rag-picking but also works at a tea shop.
He hopes for a school nearby and trusts easily, showing his innocence and enthusiasm
for new things like tennis.
Mukesh - He is brave and ambitious, dreams big despite challenges. He's grateful for
his rebuilt home and knows education is key to his dream of flying a plane, showing
practicality and determination.
Summary of Chapter 2 The Lost Spring:
• The author meets Saheb-e-Alam, who lives in Seemapuri, home to refugees from
Dhaka. They survive by rag picking, sorting through garbage for a living. Saheb
shares that rag picking is how they earn money each day.
• Sometimes, they discover a 10 rupee note in the trash, which they value greatly,
likening their finds to discovering gold in their garbage bags.
• Saheb and his friends search through garbage bags in Seemapuri and nearby cities
for valuables they call "gold." They go barefoot because some don't own slippers,
while others say their mothers didn't keep any for them.
• The author portrays the tough life these kids endure, with one admitting he's
never had shoes, while another wear mismatched shoes received as a gift. This
highlights the hardships in Seemapuri, where owning basic shoes is a luxury for
many children.
• The author vividly portrays Seemapuri, where 10,000 ragpickers live in mud
structures with tin and tarpaulin roofs, lacking sewage, drainage, or running
water. Rag picking is vital for survival among the elders, while children see it as
a chance to find extra money, filling them with awe.
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• Saheb enjoys playing tennis, but societal class differences prevent him from
doing so openly. At night, when the court is empty, Saheb sneaks in to play,
secretly supported by a sympathetic watchman who understands his situation.
• This gesture shows solidarity within their community, allowing Saheb a brief
reprieve to pursue his passion despite his circumstances.
• Afterward, Saheb begins working at a tea shop, earning 800 rupees monthly
along with meals.
• He finds carrying the milk canister heavier than his rag-picking bag, feeling a
loss of independence now that he works for someone else.
• The chapter also recounts another tale from Firozabad, known for its bangle-
making craft.
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