Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 27: The United States has scheduled an emergency visa interview for Tanaji Shinde, the father of Nilam Shinde, a 35-year-old Indian student who has been in a coma at a California hospital following a severe road accident on February 14. The interview will take place at 9 am on Friday.
This move follows urgent intervention by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which contacted the US government to expedite the process. Although emergency travel permits for medical reasons are typically processed quickly, the reasons behind the delay in this case remain unclear, according to sources.
Nilam Shinde, a Master of Science student in her final year, suffered serious injuries including multiple fractures to her chest and head when struck by a vehicle. The hospital requested family consent for brain surgery, and her family has been desperately seeking a visa for her father, Tanaji, who has been trying to travel since learning of the incident on February 16.
Shinde’s father expressed his frustration, saying, “We got to know about the accident on February 16 and have been trying for a visa since then. But we haven't got it yet.”
Supriya Sule, MP from the Nationalist Congress Party, took up the matter, urging external affairs minister S Jaishankar to step in and hasten the visa process. She shared a post on social media, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
"This is an alarming issue, and we all need to come together to resolve it," Sule said. Despite political differences, she praised EAM Jaishankar and the MEA for their quick response and consistent support for Indians abroad.
Sanjay Kadam, Shinde’s uncle, recalled receiving the heartbreaking news from Shinde’s roommates. “The police admitted her to the hospital, and her roommates informed us on February 16. They told us that she met with a huge accident,” he said.
The family remains deeply concerned about Nilam's condition and is eager to be by her side. “The hospital administration sought our permission for brain surgery. She is in a coma right now, and we need to be there,” Kadam added.
The family had struggled to secure a visa appointment, with the earliest available slots being months away. With the emergency interview now set, they hope to travel soon and provide support to Nilam during her critical recovery period.