Indian Student Nilam Shinde in Coma After Accident in USA, Family Granted Visa

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The incident of Nilam Shinde, a student from Satara, Maharashtra, who met with a severe accident in the USA, has brought attention to the challenges faced by Indian students abroad. Nilam was pursuing higher education in California when the accident occurred on February 14, leaving her in a coma. The family's ordeal began when they were informed about the accident on February 16, and they had to navigate the complex process of obtaining a visa to be with their daughter in the USA.

The family's initial attempts to secure a visa were met with delays, and it was only after the intervention of media and politicians, including MP Supriya Sule, that the American embassy granted visas to Nilam's father, Tanaji Shinde, and her two brothers. The family had to take a loan of around 5 to 6 lakh rupees to cover the expenses of traveling to the USA. The visa process was expedited after the media highlighted the family's plight, and they were able to obtain the necessary documents to travel to the USA.

The accident has left Nilam with severe injuries, including a damaged hand, leg, and head, and she has undergone two surgeries. The doctors are closely monitoring her condition, and the family is awaiting further updates on her recovery. The driver of the vehicle that hit Nilam, Lawrence Gallo, has been arrested by the California police. The family has expressed gratitude to the media, politicians, and government officials who helped them in their time of need, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who ensured that they received the necessary assistance to obtain the visa.

Here is a timeline of events: * February 14: Nilam Shinde meets with an accident in California * February 16: Family is informed about the accident * February 16-27: Family struggles to obtain a visa * February 27: Visa is granted to Nilam's father and brothers after media intervention * February 19: Lawrence Gallo, the driver of the vehicle, is arrested by the California police The family's experience highlights the importance of having a support system in place for Indian students abroad and the need for efficient processes to address emergency situations.

The incident has also raised concerns about road safety and the need for awareness about the risks faced by pedestrians and cyclists. The family's struggle to obtain a visa has also brought attention to the challenges faced by Indians in obtaining travel documents, particularly in emergency situations. As the family waits for Nilam's recovery, they are grateful for the support they have received and hope that their experience will help raise awareness about the importance of having a support system in place for Indian students abroad.