Updated: October 16, 2021 
Video : How to remove 'Blue Ticks' from whatsapp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTiKZsyodWU&t=0m55s
Original article WhatsApp has recently introduce a new feature that let sender know if the recipients has read their messages or not. This is done by changing the color of double ticks from brown to blue.
Even though this is a useful feature, many people don't like it. Rumor has it, this 'seen' feature would be made optional in future. However no official statement has been made yet.
You can use this workaround for reading WhatsApp message without updating your time stamp. However if want two completely remove blue ticks then try the following workaround.
Remove Blue Ticks on WhatsApp
Before
 message successfully sent
 message successfully delivered to the recipient's phone
After 7 Nov
 message successfully sent
 message successfully delivered to the recipient's phone
 the recipient has read your message
Therefore, to remove this blue check marks uninstall the latest version of  WhatsApp (Version 2.11.431) and install the earlier version. Since this 'read' feature is added to latest version only, blue check marks won't appear in the older version. This concept applies to all apps BTW.
Once you install the previous version, your contacts won't see the  (blue ticks) even when you read the text. However you won't be able to see blue ticks on their end as well.
Where to find older earlier version of WhatsApp:
You can always Google older version of  WhatsApp or take it from a friend who has not updated his/her WhatsApp. Make sure the apk is not more than 6 months old or it won't work.
If you are Android user then you can use this dropbox link for older WhatsApp apk. [tested the apk and can confirm it works]
Before you go:
Take the backup of your WhatsApp conversation and make sure to turn of automatic update off  form Play Store settings.
Alternate way :Â Use pop-up notification
For those, who can not find the older version of WhatsApp, can still avoid 'blue ticks' by enabling the pop up notification.  WhatsApp settings > notification > pop up notification > always show pop up. Now you will be able to read WhatsApp messages from pop-up, without even opening the app. And since you are not opening the app 'blue ticks' won't appear.
Do not to tap on the pop-up message area or it will launch the app and blue ticks will appear. Use the home or back button to close the pop up.
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