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| Parliament security guards have also in the past objected toMelba Pria riding in on her auto-rickshaw. Pic courtesy Mail Today |
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Mexican Ambassador Melba Pria has become a social media sensation after her white-colour chauffeur-driven auto-rickshaw was not allowed to enter the India Habitat Centre on Tuesday.
The Habitat Centre security guards and even senior officials refused to let her park her auto-rickshaw that carried a diplomatic number plate, reports Mail Today.
Ironically, Melba Pria had been invited to deliver a speech on public transport at the India Habitat Centre. She did not let the ugly incident affect her speech in which she called upon Indians not to play politics with pollution and take multiple approaches to tackle the menace.
It is not the first time Melba Pria has been stopped at the gates. Parliament security guards have also in the past objected to her riding in on her auto-rickshaw. But undeterred she presses on.
Melba Pria took charge as Mexican envoy last April after a transfer from Indonesia and quickly adopted to the ways of her host country.
Most strikingly, she decided to refrain from using a luxury car to get about and instead commute by an auto-rickshaw braving Indian summer and Delhi pollution.
She also overrode concerns that her security would be compromised.
She says auto is how most Indians travel and she has no reason to be any different. Travelling by an auto is also a wonderful way to promote her beautiful country, she says.
She had no problem getting used to it though her driver Rajendra Kumar from Uttar Pradesh took some time to get familiar with the three-wheel drive.
Melba Pria told Indian Express that when the Mexican foreign minister came, they left MEA in her auto.