Big Relief: Relatives of Nilam Shinde, in Coma After US Accident, Granted Emergency Visa
New Delhi: The father and brother of Nilam Shinde, a 35-year-old student from Maharashtra who went into a coma after a road accident in California, have finally been granted emergency US visas. Their approval came after an interview at the US Consulate in Mumbai on Friday.
Nilam was critically injured when a speeding vehicle struck her while she was taking a walk in Sacramento. The impact sent her flying nearly 40 feet, causing severe fractures to both legs, her left arm, and skull. She also suffered a traumatic brain injury, which left her in a comatose state.
Doctors at UC Davis Medical Center emphasized that her chances of recovery could improve with her father present, as he would play a crucial role in making medical decisions.
Government and Political Intervention
The process of securing visas had initially been challenging for Nilam’s family. They sought appointments through agents but faced delays. However, after media reports highlighted their struggle, the central and state governments intervened, expediting the process.
Nilam’s maternal uncle, Sanjay Kadam, acknowledged the efforts of the Indian authorities. “The government has helped us secure the visa. We request that the process of emergency visas be simplified for such cases,” he said.
Support from Indian Authorities
The Indian Consulate in San Francisco also extended its support to Nilam’s family, stating that they have been in regular contact with her hospital, family, and friends. “We have been rendering all possible assistance and will continue to remain engaged to support her and the family,” the consulate said in a statement on X.
Nilam Shinde’s Academic Journey
Nilam, an engineer with a BE in Computer Science from Pune’s Sinhgad Institute, had a promising career ahead. She previously interned at NASA and was pursuing her MS in Engineering at California State University.
Her father, a retired bank employee, shared an emotional account of their last conversation. “She visited me last February after her mother’s passing. We spoke at length on February 12, the anniversary of my wife’s death. She regretted not being able to come home due to her final semester. Two days later, I received the heartbreaking news of her accident.”
The swift action taken by the authorities has now paved the way for Nilam’s father and brother to be by her side. As they prepare to travel to the US, the family hopes and prays for her recovery.
