In a stark departure where Ambassadors use luxury cars as their official vehicle, Melba Pria, Mexican Ambassador to India, uses the most common form of transport, an auto-rickshaw as her official vehicle.
Melba Pria is just like any other ambassador but in recent months she has received more media and public attention than any other diplomat based in India.
It's an unusual sight on Delhi roads and her auto-rickshaw draws curious attention from passers-by.
Her idea of using the auto-rickshaw is to beat the infamous Delhi traffic and increase the awareness for the air pollution as auto rickshaws runs on environment friendly compressed natural gas (CNG).
"I had the idea of using this three-wheeler because I wanted to adjust to traffic in Delhi with an innovative and efficient vehicle. The experience has been very positive, as it has become easier and faster for me to move around in this city. I was also concerned about rampant air pollution and wanted to take some steps to protect the environment. My auto-rickshaw runs of CNG so it is less polluting than a regular four wheeler. I think that the rickshaw has gotten so much has attention that it has worked as a device to promote Mexico in an Indian way," Melba Pria said in an exclusive interview with Sputnik.
She has been using the auto-rickshaw since January this year and since then it has put her in limelight. Although using auto-rickshaw has its own drawbacks, as three-wheelers are not allowed in certain areas, Mexican Ambassador has no qualms.
"It has never been a problem. There are rules in certain buildings, especially official buildings, which restrict scooters. It is a natural reaction because auto-rickshaws are commonly used as public transport for hire and not as personal vehicles. Some people have been confused by the rickshaw due to its distinctive look and because of the diplomatic plate it displays. Most of the time, they have let me in without any problems. At other times, the guards have been very courteous, but I understood that they have rules to enforce, so I have just had to walk few steps to the entrance," she told the Sputnik correspondent.
Despite these minor hitches, Mexican ambassador, Melba Pria is in fact excited about using auto-rickshaw.
"The rickshaw has become very popular around Delhi and we have had a wonderful response from people on the streets, as well as in social media and traditional media outlets. Every time we use it, people notice and it has really gone viral. One of the nice things about having an auto is that people look at us when we come by, and many of them smile, or they want a ride or a picture. I think people consider it to be an original idea and they appreciate the fact that it is s twist on an Indian tradition. I hope that it is useful for people to realize that, like this rickshaw, Mexico is a colorful an innovative country."
Mexican ambassador Melba Pria is currently basking in her new-found glory. Besides championing the cause for air pollution and beating the Delhi traffic blues, commuting in an auto-rickshaw has also put her in the limelight.
