US Embassy Grants Visa to Family of Indian Student Nilam Shinde, in Coma After Accident
In a significant development, the US embassy has granted visas to the father and brother of Nilam Shinde, an Indian student currently in a coma following a severe road accident in Sacramento, California. The family will now be able to travel to the US to be by her side during this critical time.
The Tragic Incident
Nilam, a 35-year-old MS engineering student at California State University, was struck by a speeding vehicle while taking a walk in Sacramento. The impact of the accident sent her flying 40 feet, resulting in multiple fractures in both legs, a broken left arm, a skull injury, and a traumatic brain injury that has left her comatose. She is currently receiving treatment at UC Davis Medical Centre.
Government and Diplomatic Intervention
Initially, Nilam's family faced challenges in securing a visa to travel to the US. They sought help from various sources, including travel agents, but their plea gained widespread attention only after media coverage. Responding to the urgency of the situation, the Indian government and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stepped in to expedite the visa process.
On Friday, February 28, after attending an interview at the US Consulate Office in Mumbai, Nilam's father and brother were granted visas. The Indian consulate in San Francisco has assured ongoing support and has been actively coordinating with the hospital, authorities, and the family to provide necessary assistance.
Political Support and Advocacy
Baramati MP Supriya Sule played a crucial role in advocating for Nilam’s family. After being informed about the family's struggle by former Karad North MLA and minister Balasaheb Patil, she took up the matter with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Sule emphasized the need for a separate, streamlined emergency visa process to address such situations swiftly in the future.
A Father's Hope
Nilam's father, who retired as a bank peon, shared his anguish and hope for his daughter’s recovery. “Nilam is my only child. She visited me last February after her mother’s passing. On February 12, we had a long conversation on the anniversary of my wife’s death. Just two days later, I received the devastating news of her accident. I only wish to be by her side now,” he told The Times of India.
Nilam, an alumna of Sinhgad Institute in Pune, had previously interned at NASA before pursuing her master’s degree in the US. Her friends and faculty at the university have been offering their prayers and support, hoping for a miracle in her recovery.
Looking Ahead
While Nilam remains in critical condition, doctors believe the presence of her family may positively impact her recovery. The case has also ignited discussions on revising emergency visa protocols for Indian citizens facing urgent medical crises abroad.
As her family prepares to travel, their only hope is that Nilam regains consciousness and fights her way back to health. The entire Indian community, both at home and abroad, continues to stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time.
Reference from :- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/us-embassy-grants-visa-to-family-of-indian-student-nilam-shinde-in-coma-after-accident/articleshow/118617005.cms