A doctor-turned-author, Roxy Arora, recently launched her book Jihad In My Saffron Garden. A Dental Surgeon by profession, Roxy hails from the state of Jammu and Kashmir and captures the turmoil and suffering of the region in her book.
A victim of racial slurs herself, just like non-Muslims in Kashmir, Roxy spent her primary years in the United Kingdom until her family decided to move back to Jammu in 1982.
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Roxy Arora, author of Jihad In My Saffron Garden
"We had always visited Kashmir whenever we would come back from the United Kingdom and we followed that trend when we migrated back. I can say that those childhood vacations in Kashmir were the start of my love affair with that enchanting valley," says Roxy when we asked her what inspired her to write the book.
I read somewhere that even the Gods were envious of Kashmir
When her family moved back to Jammu again in 1990 after a short stay in Kuwait where they experienced the Gulf War from close quarters, she felt an array of emotions. She felt like a homeless destitute and understood the plight of the many Kashmiris who had become refugees; their fears and troubles.
"My valley has been bleeding since nearly three decades now. How have we not realized the motives behind this mayhem? Our Globe has been shackled in this meaningless violence. My book carries the message of world peace."
My novel aims to revive Kashmiriyat in my state and national integrity in my country
Explaining about the book, she says, "My book is an interfaith romantic thriller which teaches us to embrace and love. The novel will arouse patriotic sentiments in each and every Indian citizen. We have to deepen our support for those defence officers who are sacrificing their lives. The skirmishes at our borders and in the core of our country have to be eliminated."
Having always been an enthusiastic reader, Roxy owes her love for books to Enid Blyton. "And then Enid gave way to Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, Alfred Hitchcock, Robert Ludlum and Eric Segal. I love Arundhati Roy and am eagerly awaiting her new book."
Taking up writing as a profession fell through the holes because of the circumstances and societal, parental pressure. "Last year, it dawned on me that it is never too late to pursue your dream. ‘I will not have a life of regret’ was what made her start on her book.
I am not a political writer. My book is about love, acceptance and world peace
Many writers experience what they call a 'writer's block', but Roxy was fortunate enough to not be a victim to it. "When I would be too stressed to think, I would immediately shop online for a good book and go for a walk. Kashmir is too dear to me and I have a mission to safeguard The Paradise On Earth."
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