New Delhi: Having carved out her own niche, Mexico’s Ambassador in India, Melba Pria, has become a centre of attraction in the city.
Unlike envoys, who go around in swanky sedans, Pria is spotted travelling in an unusual official vehicle — a colourfully painted autorickshaw.
Even though she claims, “I have been using the autorickshaw to attend work appointments and functions since late January,” it created a flutter in the media only recently.
The ambassador had gone to India Habitat Centre (IHC), a comprehensive convention centre, to give a keynote speech about air pollution. But within no time, the media was abuzz with reports that Pria, who travels in a chauffeur-driven autorickshaw was ‘not allowed’ to park her vehicle at IHC. And that ‘failing to recognise the blue diplomatic number plate and the fluttering Mexican flag on the vehicle, security personnel rushed to stop the autorickshaw as it entered the premises. And that despite event organisers’ intervention, the management of IHC refused to grant permission.’
Clearing the air, she told Gulf News, “There was a misunderstanding about the incident at IHC. They expected me to come in through a specific gate, but I accidentally mixed them up. So, [while] the organisers of the event were waiting for me at a particular gate, I entered through another. [On realising the mix up] I decided to walk to the gate where they were waiting. When I arrived on foot, the general impression people got was that my vehicle was not allowed to go in.
“But the autorickshaw was indeed allowed in and the IHC staff was very nice and kind to me. Even when I came out of the venue, my driver was waiting for me at the centre’s parking lot.”
Until now, the only place where her autorickshaw was not allowed was through the ‘main entrance’ of Parliament House. She said, “The guard at the entrance was very polite, as he could see the vehicle had a diplomatic number plate and a tiny flag and knew I was a diplomat. But as rules are rules, I understood and went in through a different gate and walked a few steps.”
Asked why she preferred a three-wheeler instead of a CNG run four-wheeler, Pria remarked, “I wanted to adjust to the city’s traffic with an innovative vehicle. The three-wheeler is more compact, less polluting and can reach the destination faster than a regular car. One of the best things is the attention it draws. It has helped us promote Mexico in an Indian way. People smile when they see it on the streets. Many approach us and want a ride or a picture with me.”
Asked if she has come across anyone, who, inspired by her has considered ‘riding’ the same path, the diplomat said: “I think it’s me who’s riding the path of millions of Indians, who use a similar transport. I am not leading; actually I am following the common man.”
Pria arrived in Delhi to serve as Ambassador of Mexico to India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, about a year ago. However she has been her before. “I have visited India as a tourist for 25 years. What I like most about the country are its people, because they are warm, affectionate and open-hearted,” she gushed.
“With its multiple ethnicities, India reminds me of Mexico. With endless possibilities, it’s a place where a lot of work is yet to be done. And that is what I like the most about my job here.”
Her much-celebrated autorickshaw was bought in India, remodelled and spray-painted creatively in a floral design. The Mexican emissary got an official chauffeur Rajendra Kumar, who has become equally popular. Kumar claims, people come up to him and recognise him by name. His family and friends often send him pictures that appear in newspapers. Another official driver Jagdish Duggal too sometimes rides the rickshaw.
Known to take the road less travelled, the ambassador is drawing upon her experiences from Mexico City, which is also tackling air pollution after the United Nations in 1992, described the city’s air as the most polluted on the planet.
Early riser
A fitness enthusiast, Mexican Ambassador to India, Melba Pria, stressed, “I am an early riser and exercise for 1 or 2 hours daily, and that includes biking, running, yoga, kick-boxing and swimming. I have a healthy breakfast of fruits and arrive at my office in the morning between 8.30 and 9.
