Gujral to use tele-prompter

NEW DELHI, Aug 14: Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral will use the imported tele-prompter'' to make his first speech from the ramparts of ...

NEW DELHI, Aug 14: Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral will use the imported “tele-prompter” to make his first speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort tomorrow.

The tele-prompters will be installed at the ramparts in such a manner which will facilitate the Prime Minister to read his speech and at the same time convey the impression to the people that he is looking straight towards them. The computer screen will have bold letters and make it easier for the PM to read the text.

The equipment had been imported by the PMO recently when it was pointed out that the US President Bill Clinton had used the same while addressing important gatherings.

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Although Gujral toyed with the idea of speaking extempore from the ramparts, he had to abandon it after being told that this would be be a historic occasion as India would be celebrating her 50th year of Independence. The memories of the first speech made by late Jawaharlal Nehru from the ramparts may be brought to the fore by the media.

Therefore, he should not venture to make an extempore speech and rely on a prepared text. Accordingly, Gujral entrusted his Secretary TKA Nair to collect feedback from all important ministries about the achievements of the past 50 years.

This apart, he held a series of meetings with Bhabhani Sen Gupta during the past one week to give final touches to his “tryst with destiny.” Gujral is set to focus his attention on women, children and primary education apart from issues of concern.