Ambassador of Mexico rides her customized Auto- Rikshaw to Amity to promote Pollution Free City

Noida, February 1, 2018: Her Excellency Ms.Melba Pria, Ambassador of Mexico to India, visited Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida Campus to deliver a Special Guest Lecture on the topic “Steps & Sills Required for Being Successful Globally and Aspects of Mexico-Economy, Education & Contemporary issues” as a part of prestigious Ambassador Lecture Series.

Throwing a big surprise to the students, Her Excellency arrived at the campus in a customized ‘Auto- Rikshaw’- her official transport and waived enthusiastically to one and all.

The CNG run Auto-Rikshaw painted beautifully in white and colorful floral patterns is equipped with seat belts on driver’s and passengers’ seat, displaying diplomatic vehicle registration number with Mexican Flag to boot, much to the excitement of bewildered students.

Addressing the gathering, Her Excellency Ms. Melba Pria shared that in the year 1992, Mexico city was the most polluted city in the world and in order to reduce air pollution, Federal, Central and Local Government took necessary actions including developing the fuel without Lead and Aluminum which made it less harmful for the environment and also, started using catalytic converters in the vehicles that reduced emissions of harmful compounds. She lamented that despite knowing that catalytic converters are effective in reducing pollution emission from cars, it is yet to be applicable in India. Emphasizing on rising pollution in Delhi NCR, she mentioned that auto-rikshaws are a good solution to pollution and congestion since cars emit 3 times more pollution than autos and the ride also provides a good view of the city and citizens while travelling.

She further briefed about the history of Mexico and presented an overview of Mexican Economy, Contemporary Issues in Mexico, Network of Free Trade Agreements, growth of various sectors including Aerospace, IT and Creative and higher education & business opportunities for students in Mexico. Apprising about Mexico and India Economic Relations, Her Excellency Ms. Pria pointed out that Mexico is one of the biggest investors to India with investment around 800 million dollars. She apprised that Mexico is the 8th most visited country in the world with 38 million visitors in 2017 and about 70,000 Indian Visitors last year.

On responding to a question on her feeling safe while travelling India, Her Excellency Ms. Pria said that she travels to places without security guards and she doesn’t feel unsafe. However, she raised her concern over the rising rape incidents in the country especially in the Capital, New Delhi and suggested enforcement of strong law and order as a solution.

Her Excellency Ms. Melba Pria is an active marathoner and has participated in various marathons around the world to raise funds for various Indian Cancer and Leprosy aid organizations. She shared that such marathons keeps her focused and also allows her to help people in need.

She advised the students to be grateful and realize that they have much more than many other people in the world. She called upon them to be patient and have faith in their dreams. Her Excellency Ms. Pria suggested students to make good use of their time and be determined towards their goals and not to give up easily.

She was accompanied by Ms. Andrea Huerta Cruz, Political Affairs Officer; Ms. Edith Ibara, Economic and Corporation Affairs and other officials of Embassy of Mexico in India.

The lecture was attended by thousands of students of Amity University and as she rode past thousands of inquisitive wide eyed onlookers in her auto, students cheered till the auto vanished from the sight.