Neelam Shinde’s Father Granted US Visa After Maharashtra Government’s Intervention

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 28th February 2025: In a significant relief for Neelam Shinde and her family, her father Tanaji Shinde (62) of Vadgaon village in Satara’s Karad taluka, has been granted a visa to travel to the United States after swift intervention by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and senior officials.

Neelam earned her BE computer science degree from Sinhgad Institute in Pune, subsequently entered the workforce and completed a one-year internship at NASA. She then enrolled at California State University to pursue MS in engineering.

Neelam (35), who suffered a serious accident in Sacramento, USA, had been undergoing treatment there, but the family faced hurdles in securing a visa for his travel. Neelam was taking a walk in Sacramento when she was struck by a speeding vehicle. She suffered severe fractures to both legs, her left arm and skull, besides a traumatic brain injury that left her comatose. She is undergoing treatment at UC Davis Medical Centre, run by the California State University where Neelam is studying.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed various departments to expedite the process, ensuring swift action on humanitarian grounds.

Murlidhar Mohol, Member of Parliament (Pune) and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, played a key role in facilitating the process by personally reaching out to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of State for External Affairs Pavitra Margherita, and Kirtivardhan Singh.

“Neelam’s relatives had approached me during the MP Public Relations Service Campaign held in Parvati on February 23, 2025. Understanding the urgency of the matter, I immediately initiated the necessary steps,” Mohol stated.

Beyond securing the visa, Mohol has also been in touch with the Maharashtra Mandal in California to ensure that Neelam and her family receive any additional support they may need while in the United States.

With this visa approval, Tanaji Shinde will soon be able to travel to the US to be with his daughter during her treatment, ensuring she receives the much-needed emotional and familial support in this challenging time.