CHENNAI: Meet Melba Pria, the Mexican Ambassador, who was in Chennai recently to flag off the Ultimate Auto-rickshaw adventure Tamil Nadu Run 2016 (organised by the Madras Midtown Round Table 42). Other than her work as a diplomat, she is popular on Delhi roads for her ride — a white CNG auto rickshaw, which zooms through the Delhi traffic daily. Oh, and she never rides in it without her seatbelt on.
Listening to exciting stories of the 25 participants, Melba was amused and happy to pose beside the extravagant autos, one with the words, Neruppu Da.
“There are quite a few reasons why I love this vehicle. One, it is very Indian and a nice way to honour the country. Two, it’s easier to cut through traffic and three, the carbon footprint is much less compared to a car with air conditioning too,” she explains.
Though people had warned her about Delhi’s pollution, Melba was confident. “Why should it only be a problem for the ‘Mexican ambassador’? Everyone is going through the same issue. I’ll continue to ride in an auto and create awareness among the people.”
She urges drivers to obey traffic rules. She experiences unruly driving every day and was also bumped into from behind. There are some autos running in Downtown Mexico too! She was determined to ride an auto in india. Though not permitted inside the parliament, she hopes to travel all over the country in her
auto, ‘Mexico’.
Melba also lends a ride to the needy when she comes across one. “Once, a woman was carrying her son, walking back home from the market, I presume. It was 40 degrees and I could see how weary they were. I offered them a ride. Though hesitant first, they agreed and was happy,” Melba smiles and adds that she has never had an unpleasant incident but of course, there are those rainy days.
“If it’s cold, I wear a cardigan. If it’s hot, it’s difficult when we stop at the signal but when it rains, I can’t do anything but you know what, it’s worth it!” What about the hair? Laughs, “I put my hair up and always carry a pin. I just have to brush it again with my fingers before I get down, you know what I mean?” Yes, we do!