The US Consulate in Mumbai granted visas to Nilam Shinde’s father and brother on Friday. They attended an interview and secured approval to visit her in the hospital.
Family Expresses Gratitude for Government’s Help
Nilam’s maternal uncle, Sanjay Kadam, thanked the central and state governments for their support. He told the sources “Nilam sustained major injuries, and she is in coma. The central government and state government did a good job, and we have now got the Visa. Earlier, we were trying to book a slot (at the US Consulate) via agents, but then this news reached the government through the media, and the government helped us. We request the Indian government that the process of Emergency Visa should be eased.”
Tragic Accident Leaves Nilam in a Coma
Nilam, 35, was walking in Sacramento when a speeding vehicle hit her. The impact threw her nearly 40 feet. She suffered multiple fractures in both legs, her left arm, and her skull. Additionally, she sustained a traumatic brain injury, leaving her in a coma.
Doctors at UC Davis Medical Centre said her father’s presence could help in her recovery. He would also play a key role in making medical decisions.
Indian Consulate Assures Support
On Thursday, the Indian Consulate in San Francisco shared an update on X. The statement conveyed “sympathy and solidarity” with Nilam’s family. It also assured that officials remained in constant touch with the hospital, her family, and her friends.
“We have been rendering all possible assistance and will continue to remain engaged to support her and the family,” the consulate posted.
A Father’s Emotional Struggle
Nilam’s father, a retired bank peon, shared his pain. He recalled their last conversation and the heartbreaking moment he learned about her accident.
“Nilam is my only child. She visited me last Feb after her mother’s passing. On Feb 12, we had a lengthy talk on the anniversary of my wife’s death. She regretted not being able to come home, citing her final semester of MS engineering at the university. Two days later, we received the news of her accident through a friend at the university,” he said.
Father’s Heartly Gratitude to Governments
In Mumbai, Tanaji Shinde, Neelam’s father, said that they had received the visa and would be traveling to the US the next day. He mentioned that both the Maharashtra and Central governments had heard their plea, which helped them secure the visa.
#WATCH | Accident of Indian student Neelam Shinde in the US | In Mumbai, Tanaji Shinde, Neelam's father, says, "We have got the Visa, and we will be going (to the US) tomorrow. Both, Maharashtra and Central governments heard us and we got the Visa… When CM Devendra Fadnavis… pic.twitter.com/V7OQaZIg7H
— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2025
He added that when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis learned about the incident, he assisted in obtaining the visa. He also acknowledged the support of Supriya Sule and others in the process.
Nilam’s Academic Journey and Career Aspirations
Nilam earned her BE in Computer Science from Sinhgad Institute in Pune. She then gained work experience and completed a one-year internship at NASA. Four years ago, she moved to the US to pursue an MS in engineering at California State University.
The maternal uncle of Neelam Shinde, Sanjay Kadam says, “…Neelam sustained major injuries, and she is in coma. The central govt and state govt did a good job, and we have now got the Visa. Earlier, we were trying to book a slot (at the US Consulate) via agents, but then this news reached the govt through the media, and the govt helped us… We request the Indian govt that the process of Emergency Visa should be eased…”
#WATCH | Accident of Indian student Neelam Shinde in the US | In Mumbai, the maternal uncle of Neelam Shinde, Sanjay Kadam says, "…Neelam sustained major injuries, and she is in coma. The central govt and state govt did a good job, and we have now got the Visa. Earlier, we… pic.twitter.com/j3vE3NKGOM
— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2025
Supriya Sule Intervenes to Expedite Visa Process
Baramati MP Supriya Sule stepped in to help Nilam’s father. Former Karad North MLA and minister Balasaheb Patil informed her about the family’s struggle. Sule, a member of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), immediately reached out to the Ministry of External Affairs. She urged officials to speed up the visa process.
Sule said, “My aim right now is to get him on the first flight to California. I am in touch with Shinde through Balasaheb Patil. We also need to look into the process, which does not differentiate between regular and emergency visa applications. But I will take up the policy matter with MEA S Jaishankar after Shinde reaches the US to be with his daughter. I hope she comes out of it stronger.”
Now, with visas in hand, Nilam’s father and brother are preparing to fly to the US. They hope their presence will give her the strength to recover.
