Family Overcomes Visa Ordeal to Visit Comatose Daughter in California
The Shinde family, hailing from Satara district in Maharashtra, India, faced a harrowing ordeal in their quest to secure an emergency visa to the United States. The visa, finally granted on a Friday morning, allows Neelam Shinde’s father, Tanaji Shinde, and cousin, Gaurav Kadam, to travel to California. This heart-wrenching journey began following a tragic road accident that left 35-year-old Neelam in a comatose state after being hit by a bike while riding an e-cycle on February 14.
Struggle for a Visa
Neelam, an engineering graduate from Pune’s Sinhgad Institute, had been pursuing her MS in engineering at California State University before the accident. The family received the devastating news of her critical condition through a call from her roommate on February 16. The shock of the accident left Neelam’s father speechless for hours, compounding the family’s anguish as they grappled with the uncertainty of her prognosis.
The Shindes, already burdened by previous hardships such as Tanaji’s accident and Neelam’s mother’s passing, turned to their network for support. With the help of friends and guidance from former MP and NCP (SP) leader Shrinivas Patil, they reached out to the university and hospital for updates on Neelam’s condition. Despite initial challenges in securing the necessary documentation for the visa application, the family persevered with unwavering determination.
A Community Effort
As they navigated the complex visa application process, the Shinde family encountered numerous obstacles, including a lack of available appointment slots until 2026. Desperate for a solution, they turned to social media for help, catching the attention of local political figures like BJP MLA Atul Bhosale and NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule. With their intervention, the chief minister’s office stepped in to expedite the visa process, ensuring that Tanaji and Gaurav could travel to California without delay.
Despite the challenges they faced, the family’s resilience and community support proved instrumental in securing the emergency visa. With the impending journey to California, the Shindes remain uncertain about the financial burden of Neelam’s medical expenses. While the California State University has provided accommodation for Tanaji and Gaurav, the family has already sacrificed their gold assets and raised funds to cover initial costs.
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Neelam’s recovery, the family clings to hope and faith in her resilience. Neelam’s unwavering determination to pursue her education abroad serves as a beacon of inspiration for her loved ones, fueling their prayers for her eventual recovery. As they embark on this emotional journey to be by Neelam’s side, the Shinde family’s story stands as a testament to the power of love, community, and unwavering perseverance in the face of adversity.
