Question

Describe the plight of ragpickers as depicted in the lesson ‘Lost Spring’.

Hint:

In “Lost Spring,” always mention both physical suffering (poverty, malnutrition) and social suffering (lack of education, exploitation).

Answer 1

Step 1: Context.
In the lesson “Lost Spring” by Anees Jung, the plight of ragpickers living in Seemapuri, Delhi, is highlighted. They live in poverty, without proper facilities like sewage, drainage, or sanitation.

Step 2: Their condition.
The ragpickers survive by collecting and selling garbage, which is their only means of livelihood. For them, garbage is ‘gold’ as it provides daily bread. Their children also join ragpicking instead of going to school.

Step 3: Social issues.
They suffer from exploitation, malnutrition, and hopelessness. They are caught in a cycle of poverty with no dreams of a better future.
Final Answer:
The ragpickers of Seemapuri lead a life of poverty and exploitation, surviving on garbage and deprived of education, health, and dignity, as depicted in “Lost Spring.”