Thu Feb 27 14:36:28 UTC 2025: ## Indian Family Races Against Time to Reach Daughter in US Coma

**Mumbai, India –** The family of Nilam Shinde, a 35-year-old Indian postgraduate student in a coma after a serious accident in California, is scrambling to obtain US visas to be at her bedside. Ms. Shinde, a student at California State University, suffered critical injuries, including fractures, when she was struck by a four-wheeler on February 14th.

Her father, Tanaji Shinde, emotionally pleaded for the visa, stating, “We just hope to get the visa and go to America.” The family applied for visas 48 hours after the accident, but the initial appointment was scheduled for next year. However, following intervention from Indian officials and media attention, the family received an emergency appointment for a visa interview at 9 am tomorrow in Mumbai.

Ms. Shinde’s brother, Gaurav Kadam, explained that his father is deeply distraught, adding, “He is not able to speak much due to depression.” The family expressed gratitude to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his deputies, Supriya Sule, and NDTV for their assistance in expediting the process.

The university confirmed Ms. Shinde is in critical condition in the ICU with an uncertain prognosis and had previously appealed for the family to be granted travel permits. The family, currently in their village in Satara district, will travel to Mumbai tonight for the crucial visa interview.

Sources indicate that the US does offer emergency visas in such situations, requiring medical documentation to expedite the process, though appointments are limited. The family remains hopeful that their interview will be successful and they will be granted the visas to join Nilam in California.

Read More