The Tale of Kasam: Empowering her Disabled Husband and Overcoming the Strains of a Second Marriage

Manjeet Ahlot's life took a dramatic turn just two and a half months into his marriage to Kasam. In an unfortunate accident, he suffered a spinal injury that left his lower body paralyzed.

Reflecting on that fateful day, Kasam recalls, "It was August 6, 2006, a day that completely altered the course of my life."

At the tender age of 19, Kasam found herself grappling with the daunting reality of her husband's disability. On one hand, she witnessed Manjeet's relentless visits to hospitals, while on the other, her own family and relatives began pressuring her to consider a second marriage.

Despite the mounting pressure from her loved ones, Kasam remained resolute in her decision to stand by Manjeet. She explains, "The more they pushed me towards another life, the more convinced I became that I wanted to spend my life with Manjeet. If I had started anew and then faced an accident like this, would I have thought of starting life all over again? Moreover, Manjeet needed me the most."

Manjeet's condition demanded constant care as lying in bed for prolonged periods could cause further harm to his back and lower torso. He required Kasam's unwavering presence and support 24 hours a day.

While tending to her husband's needs, Kasam managed to continue her education. She completed her 12th grade and pursued a bachelor's degree, followed by a B.Ed and post-graduation, all while shouldering the responsibilities of her marriage. Additionally, she even secured a job to contribute to their livelihood.

Kasam recounts, "As challenges arose, I faced them with unwavering courage. I encouraged Manjeet to pursue further studies to combat his depression."

"People would advise me that Manjeet's life was ruined and that I should focus on my own life. But I never paid heed to such remarks; instead, I remained committed to my responsibilities."

Seventeen years have passed since the accident, and Manjeet acknowledges that his wife, Kasam, played an instrumental role in giving him a new lease on life.

He shares, "That accident 17 years ago took everything away from me. I was riding my bike when a car collided with me. Subsequently, another car hit me from behind, resulting in severe injuries. My legs were broken, and I was left paralyzed in the lower part of my body."

"Despite being confined to a wheelchair, my wife took care of me and provided immense emotional support. She guided me on how to reintegrate into society with my head held high, even after the accident."

Kasam and Manjeet regained their footing in life after spending seven long years in hospitals following the accident. It was then that Manjeet's elder brother, Kuldeep Ahlawat, residing in London, introduced them to Para Games.

Initially, the idea posed logistical challenges, as Manjeet required someone to accompany him daily for practice. However, Kasam took it upon herself to learn driving and ensured they made it to the stadium every day.

Manjeet embraced Para sports in March 2013, participating in five national games, where he consistently won silver or bronze medals. Their journey escalated when they received an opportunity to participate in the Asian Games held in Indonesia in October 2018.

Manjeet expresses his gratitude, saying, "Kasam would start her day before I woke up, assisting me in getting ready. She would then accompany me to the stadium and bring me back home. Kasam's invaluable support played a significant role in our achievements in Para sports."

Describing her arduous journey, Kasam emphasizes how Manjeet's elder brother, Kuldeep, introduced them to Para sports, igniting her passion for athletics. Despite being in a wheelchair, Manjeet dedicated himself to rigorous training in shot put, javelin throw, and discus throw, eventually excelling in these sports.

Kasam acknowledges the unwavering support they received from their family members, particularly coach Amarjit Singh, who played a pivotal role in Manjeet's preparation. She also expresses her gratitude to her father-in-law, who stood by them and provided assistance during their training sessions.

During their remarkable journey, Manjeet had a fortuitous encounter with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in New Delhi, leaving an indelible mark on their memories.

Manjeet's father, Mahendra Ahlawat, reflects on their extraordinary story and remarks, "Finding a daughter-in-law like Kasam in today's times seems impossible." He draws a parallel to the legendary tale of Savitri and Satyavan, where Savitri saved her husband from the clutches of death, emphasizing how Kasam's dedication and commitment are truly inspiring.

Indeed, the story of Kasam and Manjeet is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and unwavering support. Kasam's unwavering determination to stand by her husband, nurturing his physical and emotional well-being, has not only transformed Manjeet's life but also propelled them towards new heights of success in Para sports.

Their inspiring journey serves as a beacon of hope for countless individuals facing adversity, reminding them that with love and determination, they too can overcome life's greatest challenges. Kasam's unwavering support and Manjeet's indomitable spirit have proven that true strength lies in the bond of marriage and the power of unity.

As they continue their remarkable journey together, Kasam and Manjeet embody the essence of love, perseverance, and the triumph of the human spirit. Their story will continue to inspire generations to come, teaching us that no obstacle is insurmountable when faced with unwavering love and unwavering support.