Tanaji Shinde expressed his emotional plea for a visa to visit his daughter, Nilam, a 35-year-old postgraduate student in a California hospital after a serious car accident. With Nilam in a coma following her injuries, her family applied for a visa shortly after the incident, but their application has been pending. They now have an appointment scheduled at the US consulate in Mumbai. Tanaji and his son, Gaurav, thanked government officials for their assistance, emphasizing their hope for a successful interview to obtain the visa quickly. The university reported Nilam’s critical condition while advocating for necessary travel permits for her family.
“Visa mil jaaye bas itna hi aur udhar jaa sake hum (We just wish to obtain the visa and go to America),” expressed a tearful Tanaji Shinde, whose daughter Nilam Shinde is currently in a coma at a hospital in California.
Nilam Shinde, a 35-year-old postgraduate student at California State University, sustained severe injuries, including fractures, when she was struck by a vehicle on February 14.
“Humko America jaldi jaane ka (We need to go to America as soon as we can),” Tanaji Shinde, holding back tears, conveyed to NDTV.
Tanaji’s son, Gaurav Kadam, added, “Depression ki wajah se jyada bol nahi paa rahe hain (He isn’t able to speak much due to depression).”
The family had submitted a visa application 48 hours post-accident, but it has remained pending. Ms. Shinde’s uncle, Kadam Shinde, informed NDTV that the next available US visa interview slot is not until next year.
The son confirmed they have a US Visa appointment scheduled for 9 am in Mumbai.
“Aap sabki madad se, channel ki madad se aur government ki wajah se hume wahan se call aaya. Hume kal subah 9 baje ki appointment mili hai (With your help, the channel’s assistance, and the government’s support, we received a call from there. We have an appointment for tomorrow morning at 9 am),” stated Mr. Kadam, noting that he would accompany his father to Mumbai.
A statement from the university, released on February 16, indicated that Ms. Shinde is “in critical condition with an uncertain prognosis and is receiving care in the Intensive Care Unit.” The university has made an appeal for travel permits to be granted for her family.
The son also expressed gratitude to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his deputies, and Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar, for their assistance.
“We received a direct call from the US consulate. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ji, Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde ji, and also a special thanks to Supriya Sule Tai (sister),” remarked Mr. Kadam, who fielded most of the inquiries.
This tragic situation gained media attention only this week after NCP MP Supriya Sule highlighted Ms. Shinde’s predicament and the anguish experienced by her father, brother, and uncle. Tragically, the woman’s mother passed away from brain cancer last year.
“Abhi hum hope yahi rakhe hain ki hamara interview ho jaaye sahi se aur hume visa mil jaaye. Yahi hum prarthana kar rahe hain (At this moment, we are hoping that our interview goes well and we obtain the visa. This is what we are praying for),” added the son.
Sources informed NDTV that the US does offer ’emergency’ visas in cases of severe illness or death of a family member. Such requests necessitate a written note from a doctor who can beseech the American government to hasten visa interview appointments in the applicant’s country. However, there are limited openings for expedited or emergency visa applications.