Apropos the View/Counterview (Oct 5) 'Namaste' is indeed a more hygienic way of greeting and people in western countries find it extremely charming. But you could not be more right about the uncouth behaviour of many Indians on visits overseas. The 'Ugly Indian' is easily recognised by the fact that he doesn't believe in using words like 'sorry', 'thank you' and 'please'. In western countries, you are expected to use these words even if you are paying for a service.

Satish Dayal, via e-mail