Panaji Sep 28 (IANS) Indians should let go the colonial mindset and greet people with namaskar rather than with good morning good afternoon and good evening Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said on Friday.
Naidu speaking at a convocation ceremony organised by the National Institute of Technology (NIT) here said that while he was not against English language India should break away from the mindset imposed by British colonial rulers.
"Namaskar is our sanskar in India. That is applicable in morning evening and night too " he added.
The Vice President said that as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha he had done away with colonial practices which were outdated.
He recalled how recently a section of the media misquoted him as calling the English language an illness when he was talking about protecting and encouraging the mother-tongue.
"I did not say it. English is not an illness English is welcome. You learn (it). But English mind which we have inherited from the British rule is an illness. Britishers have gone their mindset remains " Naidu said.
Naidu appreciated the institute for not sticking to the customary black convocation gown routinely worn by students at such ceremonies.

--IANS maya/mag/mr/soni