Maharashtra government urges officials to replace 'hello' with 'Vande Mataram

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has launched a campaign asking officials to say 'Vande Mataram' as a way of greeting instead of 'Hello'. Government employees are now encouraged to use the phrase while answering phone calls.

A resolution was issued on Saturday appealing the same. It read that the new greeting is not mandatory but department heads are asked to encourage staff to do so. The GR said the word 'hello' comes from western culture and does not have any specific meaning. "The word is just a formality which does not arouse any emotion. Saying Vande Mataram will create a feeling of affection."

State Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said: "Vande Mataram means we are bowing before our mother. Hence, it is our appeal to the people to say Vande Mataram instead of Hello." He was speaking at a rally held in Wardha district on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

"If people want to say 'Jai Bhim' or 'Jai Shri Ram', or even mention their parents' names while answering a phone call...all forms are ok with us. Our appeal is to avoid saying Hello while receiving a call," he added.

Speaking about the reason behind the change, he said the British colonists banned slogans like "Inquilab Zindabad'' (long live the revolution) during the independence movement. "But it inspired people to join the movement. Even Mahatma Gandhi supported saying Vande Mataram."