When it comes to literary prowess, Roxana Jaffer shines as a prominent figure in the industry. As a multifaceted author, philanthropist, and humanitarian, she has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape with her book, “Why I Did Not Die.” This interview offers a glimpse into her journey as an author, the sources of inspiration fueling her creations, and the profoundly personal encounters that have woven themselves into her narratives.
With a profound exploration of resilience, fate, and the interconnectedness of humanity, the book unfolds as an intense account of Roxana’s life, detailing eight incidents where she danced with death. This book stands as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, of faith, and of the lessons to be found at each twist and turn of life’s journey.
From her roots as a passionate poet to her emergence as a voice of hope and enlightenment, Roxana’s evolution offers invaluable insights and lessons for aspiring individuals. Whether navigating the complexities of life’s challenges or climbing the corporate ladder, her book serves as a beacon of wisdom and guidance. Each “realization” that Roxana shares after surviving these incidents offers a wealth of wisdom for readers to glean as they navigate their own paths, making it a compelling read for anyone seeking inspiration and enlightenment.
Join us as Roxana shares her transformative experiences, delving into the essence of her creative process, and the impactful initiatives she spearheads to foster positive change in the world. Through her compelling narratives and insightful reflections, Roxana offers a glimpse into the depths of her journey, inspiring others to embrace resilience and pursue their dreams relentlessly. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a trailblazer who is dedicated to making a difference and spreading hope and empowerment to all.
Embarking on Authorship
To understand her journey, we first asked, “Roxana, your latest book, ‘Why I Did Not Die,’ marks a significant milestone in your author’s journey. Could you share with us how you embarked on this path of authorship and the inspiration behind your previous works?”
Roxana Jaffer replies, “My journey as an author began with a deep-seated passion for storytelling and a lifelong love of poetry. From a young age, growing up in the UK, I found solace in the works of literary giants like Shakespeare, Keats, and Oscar Wilde. Later, living in the UAE, I drew spiritual inspiration from Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet, and Kabir, the 15th-century Indian mystic poet, who enabled me to self-introspection and reflection, gifts ordained by HE who is above all else.
I immersed myself in the written word and turned to poetry as a means of both expression and soul searching. Each verse became a mirror reflecting my innermost thoughts and feelings, as I discovered not only the beauty of language but also the power of storytelling to illuminate the human experience.”
Roxana Jaffer continued: “In my first book, in the anthology of poetry, ‘A Parallel World,’ I embarked on a journey of exploration into spirituality and philosophy. Through poetry, I sought to infuse everyday subjects with deeper meaning, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries of existence and the interconnectedness of all things. Each verse served as a portal to a parallel world, where mundane experiences transcended their surface-level appearance to reveal profound insights and truths.”
“One poignant example is my poem titled ‘Sari Pallu,’ where I weave a tapestry of evocative imagery and lyrical prose to explore the complexities of the human experience and the timeless quest for meaning and purpose. Drawing inspiration from the traditional garment, the ‘Sari Pallu’ became a metaphor for God’s protection. Through emotive language, I delve into themes of identity, inviting readers to reflect on their personal spiritual paths and discover their stories woven into the fabric of existence. Each person will find echoes of their soul’s journey, as each moment unfolds like a thread in the grand tapestry of life.”
“In my latest book, “Why I Did Not Die,” I delve deeply into themes of resilience, fate, and the intrinsic value of life through my own real-life near-death experiences. Each chapter recounts an incident where I faced the brink of death, offering readers a glimpse into the intensity of those moments and the profound impact these incidents had on my life.
The subsequent quoted reflections, as I call them, after each incident serve as a window into a different facet of my life, offering insights that aim to inspire, enlighten, and provoke thought. Through these intimate narratives, I explore the fragility of existence, the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity, and the profound lessons learned through facing mortality.
Ultimately, “Why I Did Not Die” is not just a recounting of survival, but a testament to the enduring strength of the human soul and the transformative power of resilience in the face of life’s greatest challenges.”
Belief that Incidents of Struggle are Blessings of God
“Why I Did Not Die” offers a profound exploration of resilience as Roxana faces the mysteries of fate through her real-life near-death experiences. We ask her what inspired her to share these deeply personal stories with the world, and what message she hoped readers would take away from her book.
“The inspiration behind “Why I Did Not Die” originates from my own life journey, punctuated by powerful incidents spanning from age 3 to beyond 60, which bestowed upon me the blessings of self-discovery and resilience. Through these near-death experiences, I gained profound insights into the fragility of life and the resilience inherent in the human spirit. These encounters transformed me in profound ways, shaping my outlook on life and facilitating personal growth beyond what I could have imagined.
I felt a deep-seated urge to share these stories with the world because I firmly believe they carry universal lessons capable of inspiring and empowering everybody.
In moments of adversity, it is all too easy to lose sight of hope and succumb to despair. However, my journey stands as a testament to the inherent power of resilience and the indomitable spirit that resides within each of us, capable of overcoming even the darkest of challenges. Through “Why I Did Not Die,” I aspire to illuminate the path for others, offering a beacon of hope and encouragement amidst life’s trials and tribulations and keeping up the lesson I learned that ‘Melancholy is a sin.”
“Ultimately, I want readers to understand that no matter how dire our circumstances or what destiny may bring, even in the darkest moments, there’s a glimmer of hope. Through resilience, faith, and purpose, we can navigate through challenges and emerge stronger. My hope is that ‘Why I Did Not Die’ serves as a catalyst for positive change, inspiring readers to embrace resilience, cultivate gratitude, and live each day with purpose and intent,” she added.
“We must accept challenging incidents, even those that bring pain and hardship, as opportunities for growth. Rather than resisting them as contrary to fate, let us embrace them as blessings in disguise, offering lessons to become better individuals.
Creative Process & Ultimate Goal
We further asked, “Your journey as an author has seen you explore a diverse range of subjects, from spirituality to resilience. How do you approach the process of writing and selecting topics for your books, and what drives your creative process?”
With that, Roxana tells us, “For me, writing is a deeply personal and intuitive process. I draw inspiration from my own experiences, observations, and reflections, allowing my creative instincts to guide me. My next book is a totally different genre and will be titled ‘Healthy Happenings’ – a practical guide for healthy living, addressing ready remedies for ailments with quick but delectable recipes from ingredients readily found in the kitchen. I hope it will be a valuable resource for those seeking natural remedies and delicious recipes to support their well-being. The creation of this book will be approached by drawing from personal experiences and the deep research and wisdom of my mother, who is well-read in the ancient medical sciences.”
“When selecting topics for my books, I am guided by a desire to explore subjects that are meaningful and relevant to both me and my readers. Whether it’s delving into the mysteries of fate or being resilient by learning, growing, and finding strength in the face of challenges, I strive to choose topics that resonate with universal truths and offer insights that can inspire and enlighten others. I am totally committed to providing meaningful content for my readers.”
“My creative process is characterized by a combination of discipline and spontaneity. I set aside dedicated time for writing, allowing myself the freedom to explore ideas and concepts without constraint. I also draw on my background in poetry to infuse my prose with lyrical language and imagery, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.”
She further highlights, “Ultimately, my goal as an author is to provoke thought, spark conversation, and inspire positive change. Whether through poetry or prose, I hope to leave a lasting impact on my readers and contribute to a deeper understanding of the human experience. By exploring subjects that resonate with universal truths, I am able to create narratives that not only entertain but also provoke thought and inspire change. I hope I am able to leave a lasting impact on my readers and can contribute to a deeper exploration of the human experience.”
Shaping Themes and Advice, We asked Roxana Jaffer
We asked, “Roxana, your book, ‘Why I Did Not Die,’explores deep themes such as resilience, forgiveness, and the interconnectedness of humanity. How have these core values influenced your path as an author, and what advice would you offer to emerging writers who wish to delve into similar themes in their own writing?”
Roxana beautifully encapsulates the essence of storytelling as a medium for conveying universal truths and inspiring transformation. Her emphasis on resilience, forgiveness, and interconnectedness underscores the fundamental aspects of the human experience that resonate across cultures and generations. She states:
“My advice to aspiring writers is to ‘write from the heart.’ To be authentic is the cornerstone of compelling storytelling. When writers draw from their own experiences, passions, and beliefs, they infuse their work with a genuine sincerity that resonates with readers on a profound level.”
Moreover, Jaffer’s encouragement to embrace the journey of self-discovery through writing highlights the transformative power of the creative process. She says: “Writing not only allows individuals to explore their own inner landscapes but also facilitates a deeper understanding of the shared human condition.”
In essence, Roxana’s perspective serves as a reminder of the profound impact storytelling can have in fostering empathy, understanding, and connection among people from all walks of life.
Lessons from your Journey of Instances of Imminent Death over Prevailing Life.
Roxana, your journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. What message do you hope readers will take away from your latest book, “Why I Did Not Die,” and how do you envision it making a difference in their lives?
Roxana Jaffer stated, “My hope for ‘Why I Did Not Die’ is that it will serve as a source of inspiration, empowerment, and enlightenment for readers around the world. My own journey of imminent death, not once but on eight instances, has been one of incredulous discovery. I have learned valuable lessons about the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit, understanding that change is not painful; resisting change is painful!
“I want readers to realize that no matter how dire their circumstances may seem, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow. By embracing life fully, facing challenges with courage and determination, and cultivating a sense of purpose and meaning, they can overcome even the darkest of obstacles.”
“Ultimately, my book is a reminder of the precious gift of life and the infinite possibilities that lie within each and every one of us. It is a call to action to live passionately, fearlessly, and authentically, cherishing every moment and making the most of the time we have on this earth by giving of one to help creation—be it people or the planet.
I hope that my book will serve as a catalyst for positive change, inspiring readers to embrace resilience, cultivate gratitude, and live each day with purpose and intent. In doing so, I believe it has the power to make a profound and lasting difference in their lives.”
Seminal Life Lessons and Key Insights
Our next question to Roxana Jaffer was, “At the end of every chapter, you have included a section on the lessons from each of the incidents. What are the most seminal lessons?”
Roxana Jaffer replied, “Whilst recuperating and reflecting on each incident, whether in hospital or at home, I had many realizations—about five or six major insights per incident. These lessons, which cover life, people, pain, humility, forgiveness, divinity, and the importance of living for others, amount to around 50 key messages. I share these in my book as self-help tips for all my readers.”
For me, each incident is very important. The first lesson I learned was ‘Melancholy is but a sin.’ I realized that dwelling on self-pity prevents healing. As my husband Sadru says, do not let negativity take a home in your mind.
“The second vital lesson for me is ‘Life is a gift.’ Only I could make the best of every pitfall or calamity. After the first incident of burns, when I emerged from a 10-day coma, I realized, oh my God, I’m alive. Although I had no idea then I was in a coma for so long, I realized everything occurs only according to God’s will. We are only actors or puppets without strings where someone else is running the show. We are being pulled. Alhamdulillah, the strings were being pulled for me to continue living by God.”
“Another vital learning was forgiveness. I have named that learning as a Shakespearean dilemma, ‘To forgive or not to forgive.’ Forgiving my birth mother lifted a huge weight from my shoulders and heart, clearing a dark cloud from my soul,” Roxana Jaffer further added.
“Indeed, each realization is a seminal lesson in molding me into the person I am today. Reflecting on the lessons learned from each realization is a profound journey of personal growth and indeed growth as a leader. Each experience shapes us and contributes to the unique individual we become. Embracing these lessons nurtures wisdom and resilience, enriching our journey through life.”
Power of Collective Prayer and Defining Virtues
Learning more and more about Roxana, her journey, and the inspiration behind the book, we also asked her, “What is your take on the power of collective prayer?”
Roxana Jaffer said, “When I woke up from a 10-day coma, I was surrounded by girls from my grandmother’s orphanage singing devotional songs and praying for my life. Their piety created powerful energy, and I believe their prayers raised me from the dead. Similarly, during another incident, a group of 100 children prayed for me, and I survived a critical surgery. Collective prayer has a profound impact because it channels selfless, powerful energy.”
We asked her, “How do you differentiate between virtues and values?”
“I’ve often wondered about the true nature of virtues. Is it God-given or is it something one learns from parents? Is virtue learned from religion or from culture? I think whatever values you imbibe, each one of those is important. In fact, on page 64, I could not help but question my soul. I learned that gratitude and selflessness were the highest virtues for me. Today, I am living in a state of gratitude -. Thankfulness – Shukrana, is the virtue or value I am living with every day,” replied Roxana.
Universal Faith and Maternal Love Beyond Everything
Our curiosity in her work also led us to the question, “In the book you have referred to the teachings of the Gita, the Bible, and the Qur’an. Can you share your thoughts?”
Roxana Jaffer replied, “My own understanding of religion is imbibed from the teachings of all. My mother was from India, and although a Muslim, her spiritual consciousness was influenced by the Hindu ethos. She would sing bhajans (devotional songs) and tell me about her ideologies of Krishna.
“I frequented the Swaminarayan Temple in Mombasa, fascinated by worshippers during the arti, going into a trance. I have held their hands to feel that divinity. In my religion, I was influenced by devotional songs written by Pirs called Ginans. I was enthused by Midnight Mass which I attended regularly and visited Rome for an audience with the Pope in Easter one year.Therefore, growing up, I was very conscious of all faiths, which led me to learn from all scriptures. I discerned a single universal truth in all scriptures—the oneness of humanity. This learning was emphasized by the incidents in my life, bringing me close to the divine.”
We further asked, “Is true maternal love possible only through birth parents, or can adoptive parents be equally strong in their love?”
“Well, I can say now that my birth mother, in giving me away, gave up a part of herself, and she parted with me with love to someone she completely trusted. The love of my adoptive mother was expressed when I fell off the roof of my school in Mombasa. I was partly paralyzed, and she put her heart and soul into nursing me back to health. Could this be an esoteric reason why my birth mom gave me away? The incident is proof that motherly love is possible not only from birth parents but adoptive parents as well.”
Coping with Trauma and Learning From Life
This directly led us to our next question, “How did you deal with the trauma of the injuries?”
Roxana Jaffer continues, “Of course, it was an uphill task. Trauma not just from one incident at three years old but throughout the course of my life. Built-up trauma certainly impacted me emotionally, spiritually, and indeed physically. I did not deal with the trauma well. There was no outlet for me to share the esoteric, the inner pain. Pain from visible inflictions was easily shared, and remedies beside medicine were easily administered. But what of the heart pain, the mental pain?”
“You must have discerned that I am the eldest of a total of six siblings—four of us in my birth mother’s family and two from my adoptive family. By default, I was the eldest of six. They all looked up to me as their role model, and in no way could I shatter their belief in me. I learned to absorb all the pain and trauma so that they wouldn’t hear of it.”
“Authoring my book helped me sublimate my trauma. We are all learning along the path of life. As the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh elucidates in this verse: ‘Nothing is born, nothing dies. Nothing to release. Samsara is nirvana.’ It was like an endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, like the meaning of the word Samsara, just ‘wandering through, flowing on.’ Each encounter with death became a crucible in which my inner strength was forged. Through hardship, I discovered an unyielding ability to confront life’s challenges head-on, emerging stronger and more resilient after each trial.”
Empowering Youth and Taking Sustainable Initiatives
We then asked, “Please share the work you are currently doing.”
Roxana Jaffer replied, “I am a sustainability trailblazer and have outlined a strategic roadmap that drives innovation in aiding humanity.”
“The first initiative I took up was to mentor youth who were unsure of the path to get into business, who were scared to climb the corporate ladder because they lacked the wherewithal to live their dreams. When I mentored successfully, I realized I had a knack for it.”
“Further, along with three of my friends, I embarked upon a vocational project in New Delhi and in the Hunza Province of Pakistan. Both places had high literacy rates, but these youngsters with graduate degrees were in menial jobs. I founded a not-for-profit NGO called ‘An Advent for Building Human Capital’ (abc) to give these youth an opportunity to build their place in society.
Today, when I see some of them—like two people I trained, owning a 12-room hotel in Hunza—I cannot describe the sense of fulfillment I have.”
“At my workplace, we have over 26 nationalities working in complete harmony. I wanted them to inculcate a sense of helping others in the community in their spare time after work. One idea was to send them to local hospitals, pay a visit to patients, and just hold their hands, to show them love and give warmth. Many asked me how this would help. I explained it was an action of giving hope of life and healing through energy transfer. The idea was a great success. Today, several ex-employees tell us they are engaged in helping the poor, the sick, and the needy in their own hometowns.
This idea of standing up for another life has been so well ingrained. In the end, it’s about a small, simple, everyday fact of life—of every human being connected to another.”
“Further, my employees in the All Day Dining have started a new initiative: ‘Eat what you plate. Plate what you eat.’ I feel I have been a catalyst in this. Each day, they recount on a notice, the number of kilos of wasted food, with the number of hungry that the wasted food has fed. A great teaching for our hotel dining guests! And, an indirect teaching of conscientiousness about reducing food wastage.”
Fighting Hunger with Compassion
Lastly, we asked, “Tell us about your collaboration on the United Nations Hunger project during Ramadan.”
Roxana Jaffer replied, “We have partnered with the United Nations World Food Program’s campaign to help enhance their favored Sustainability Development Goal – ‘SDG 2 Zero Hunger’ to eradicate poverty and feed the hungry in war or climate-ravaged zones.
We have an initiative, ‘Embrace Ramadan,’ running since 2016, where we pledge to feed four hungry people in the world with every iftar that is consumed during the month of Ramadan in our All-Day Dining. To date, we have supported 546,060 hungry people globally.”
“With these and many other initiatives, I really hope I have inculcated a way of happiness in others. This is therapeutic and helps combat deep trauma from incidents of immense pain. The incidents that I experienced caused intense pain, both physical and emotional, which was mitigated by making a concerted effort to bring happiness into the lives of other people,” Roxana concluded.
About “Why I Did Not Die”
In her latest book, Why I Did Not Die, Roxana Jaffer presents a riveting account of her remarkable journey through near-death experiences and miraculous recoveries. Through her signature storytelling, she explores themes of resilience, fate, and the value of life. Readers are drawn into Roxana’s world as she challenges the notion of predestined fate, offering incredible insights gained from her encounters with difficult situations. This book serves as a compelling reminder to live life passionately and fearlessly, leaving readers inspired and enlightened by Roxana’s transformative experiences.
Connect with Roxana Jaffer on LinkedIn or visit https://roxanajaffer.com/
Check out “Why I Did Not Die” and “A Parallel World” on Amazon.
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