A family from Maharashtra has made a heartfelt plea to the central government for a visa after their 35-year-old daughter, Nilam Shinde, fell into a coma following a tragic accident in California on February 14. Since receiving the devastating news two days later, her father, Tanaji Shinde, has been struggling to obtain a visa to travel to the United States.
Nilam, a fourth-year Master of Science student, suffered multiple fractures and serious injuries to her head and chest when she was hit by a four-wheeler. The hospital where she is being treated under emergency conditions immediately sought the family's permission to operate on her brain.
"We came to know about the accident on February 16 and have been working on obtaining a visa since then. But we could not get it yet," her father explained to NDTV.
Providing a helping hand, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) MP Supriya Sule has asked External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to intervene and hasten the issue of a visa. She also brought it up on X, demanding urgent action.
"This is a very distressing situation, and we have to collectively address this. I have been in regular touch with the family, giving them the assurance that we will be able to solve this problem," Sule said to NDTV.
Despite having political differences with the central government, NCP (SP) leader appreciated the responsiveness of EAM Jaishankar and lauded the Ministry of External Affairs for ongoing support to Indians overseas.
"My experience with the MEA has always been good. They always do the extra mile to assist," she stated, adding that she had also made contact with the US Embassy in Mumbai about the issue.
Describing how the family was broken the news about their daughter, Nilam's uncle, Sanjay Kadam, said it was her roommates who initially broke the news to them.
"The police brought her to the hospital, and the roommates informed us on February 16. They told us that she was involved in a horrific accident," he said.
With Nilam still comatose, the family continues to be on edge and yearn to be at her side.
"The hospital requested our approval for brain surgery. She is critically ill, and we need to be present," Kadam emphasized.
Though the hospital reports daily updates of her health, the distress in the family has increased owing to the continuous delay in booking a visa appointment.
"We are attempting to find an available date, but they will only show one next year," Kadam uncovered.
Their earnest appeal will hopefully be quickly followed by the Indian authorities to let them join their daughter in her time of need.
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