Untouchable

The hockey stick that Charat Singh gives to Bakha symbolizes tolerance and generosity, even from a member of the upper caste. After Charat Singh promises to give Bakha the gift, Bakha fixates on the hockey stick throughout the day. No matter how mistreated he is, a Brahmin—and a famous athlete—has promised to give him a gift. The hockey stick is a symbol of hope and kindness, traits that are further reinforced when Charat Singh invites Bakha into his home and allows him to touch his possessions. The moments after receiving Singh's kindness are the only ones in the novel that Bakha spends in pure pleasure.

However, the hockey stick also becomes a reminder of Bakha's inequality. He joins the hockey game, eager to show off his new equipment. After the wealthy boy is wounded by a thrown rock during the brawl, his mother is abusive to Bakha, who is only trying to help. By trying to use the gift that Singh gave to him, Bakha joins the game and is forced to acknowledge the difference in the status of himself and the other boys.