An American businessman missed a high-profile dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last night due to traffic in Delhi. Sara Hooker shared her disappointment on social media
After getting stuck in heavy traffic in Delhi, the co-founder and CEO of Adaption Labs missed a dinner with PM Modi. Hooker had earlier attended a session at the India AI Impact Summit at the Bharat Mandapam.
She returned to her hotel to change from casual jeans to formal attire for the evening gala. It was intended for selected global delegates and industry leaders.
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However, when she tried to return to the spot, her car was stuck in traffic for almost 4 hours. Failing to reach her in time, she ended up canceling the plan and returning to her hotel room.
Hooker later shared her experience on Twitter (formerly X). She also shared a photo of an Indian meal she ordered through room service.
“I was invited to a gala with the Prime Minister but got stuck in traffic when I got back to the venue after changing into my gala attire (changing out of my jeans),” she wrote.
“It would be an honor to attend. But after 4 hours of service, it was an equal honor to sit down at 11pm to really excellent room service,” she added.
Many social media users responded to her post.
“Wow this sucks! Traffic is so bad in India lol,” wrote Sophont AI Director Dr Tanishq Mathew Abraham.
“Welcome to India. We sit in traffic for an average of 5 hours a day. This just shows the population of India, I always doubt China’s population, their cities are always empty,” wrote another.
“Feeling conflicted. Picky enough not to eat both but strangely missing Delhi food now. Good thing you’re not contributing to Delhi night,” wrote another.
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Another user suggested: “Sara this doesn’t look good. Please get a local to make sure you have a great food experience in Delhi.”
“Ended up walking 2 hours across Delhi back to my hotel; faster than driving, even with a nosy monkey following me,” chimed in another.
Sara Hooker’s post was in response to Subbarao Kambhampati’s post. An Arizona State University professor also missed the dinner. However, his reason was different.
“Apparently on the front of my VIP armor, I had a seat at the dinner table at the PMO Summit in India! However, the magic email allowing me in was not sent. Shame I missed meeting Raj Reddy. Had a lovely dinner with my friend and his family instead, so all good!” he wrote
Traffic in Delhi
Traffic disruptions in central Delhi affected many AI Summit attendees, not just Sara Hooker. Several guests said that roads near the Bharat Mandapam were blocked for VIP movement, forcing people to walk long distances.
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The nearest metro station was closed and taxis were not allowed to enter the area. According to HT, the participants thus walked kilometers to find transport.
Many shared complaints and videos on social media. Heavy traffic jams also formed around the site and caused long delays for regular commuters. Some frustrated motorcyclists were seen crossing the road dividers illegally to escape the jam, HT added.