India's newly elected President Pranab Mukherjee is all set to address the nation on Tuesday on the eve of 66th Independence Day. He will address the nation for the first time as the President.
His speech will be telecasted over all channels of Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR) in English followed by a Hindi translation from 7 pm onwards. AIR will broadcast the regional language versions of the address over its regional channels from 9.30 pm onwards.
This is the first Independence Day celebration for Pranab as President of India. In last month's 13th presidential poll, the UPA candidate salvaged an overwhelming majority against NDA nominee PA Sangma.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister AK Antony will also address the nation on the eve of August 15. His customary address to the Armed Forces personnel in English will be broadcasted over AIR around 6 pm.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will unfurl the National Flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Wednesday to celebrate the occasion. After raising the Tricolor, the Prime Minister will address the countrymen.
Meanwhile, a heavy security blanket has been spread on the national capital. About 6,000 security officials, including police personnel, National Security Guards, Parliamentary forces will stand guard at all corners of Delhi to tackle any surprises on the day of the celebration.
According to reports, officials have temporarily closed the parking lots at the Delhi metro as part of the security protocol. The parking lots will be re-opened again on Wednesday afternoon.
