Velutha and Bahka - TGOST

In the novel Untouchable, Anand attempts to create a character who, for the most part, is representative of all the untouchables in India. After being introduced to Velutha from The God of Small Things, my thoughts on the opportunities of an untouchable and Bahka's character had changed. Unlike Bahka, Velutha does not feel trapped by his social status and because of that, he has almost been able to rise above the other untouchables. Velutha has the courage to strive for a position as a supervisor, and even walk in a communist march. Even though both characters share a desire for a better life, Velutha's actions are things that Bahka could never have the confidence to do. The different responses may be due to the characters' different environments. While Bahka is stuck in a dream state, constantly reminded by his father that there is no hope for his future, Velutha doesn't feel the same pressures from his family. Due to my limited knowledge of Indian culture, I am unable to determine whether Velutha is an incredibly positive and motivated character, if Bahka is just someone who gives up, or if these two characters merely represent two extreme cases.