Neelam Shinde, an Indian student from Satara, Maharashtra, was seriously injured in a car accident in California on February 14. She is now in a coma in the hospital with severe injuries to her head and chest. Her family wants to travel to the US urgently but is facing delays in getting a visa.
Neelam's Father Needs Visa
Neelam's father, Tanaji Shinde, applied for an emergency visa to visit his daughter but has not received it yet. Supriya Sule, a Member of Parliament, raised the issue on social media, asking the Indian government for help. She posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying Neelam’s father needs to be with his daughter in this difficult time.
Support from Indian Students and Authorities
The family first learned about the accident on February 16. They were told by Neelam’s roommates and the hospital. Neelam’s uncle, Sanjay Kadam, said the hospital needed their permission to perform surgery on her. Neelam is still in a coma and needs her family with her.
Indian students in the US have offered their help to the family. Supriya Sule said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is working with US officials to help speed up the visa process. The family hopes to get the visa soon and be with Neelam.