WOMEN WITH A MISSION (6)
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Melba
Pria Mexican Ambassador
Reached India: April 2015
Credentials: Ambassador to Indonesia
What she loves in India: Visiting markets in Delhi
Ambassador Melba Pria is known as the autorickshaw diplomat as
the humble three-wheeler is her official mode of transport. She is also
outspoken enough to publicly criticise the immigration policies of US President
Donald Trump and has even suggested that Mexico will welcome Indian IT
professionals whom the US may want to send back home.
Pria has been travelling to India for 20 years and loves being
in Delhi -she had in fact asked for the posting. “India is a lot like Mexico
with its warmth and colours -and I live in awe. But the country also confronts
you in different ways,“ says Pria. Her explanation for the unusual choice of
official vehicle is simple it brings her closer to the people as she travels
like millions of Indians do. As for the fumes and pollution, she feels that the
Mexican ambassador can breathe the same air that the children in Delhi do,
thereby highlighting environmental problems as well. Her own security on the
streets of Delhi is of less concern to her than the safety of thousands of
women in India.
For her, International Women's Day is about recognising women in
rural India who work hard but don't get paid. “They do productive work but
don't get paid. We need to recognise their work and contribution,“ she says.
Ishani Duttagupta
ETM5MAR17
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