Inaugural Archer Amish Award Winner Announced at IGF London 2025

Acclaimed Indian author Dr. Shalini Mullick has been named the inaugural winner of the IGF Archer Amish Award for Storytellers, presented in partnership with The House of Abhinandan Lodha, during a special ceremony on Day 1 of IGF London at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre.

Dr. Mullick's novel, The Way Home, won high praise for its moving narrative centered around grief, identity, and healing. The story follows three millennials who find themselves in Goa while navigating their personal struggles, and ultimately discover friendship and inner strength. The book stood out for its deeply relatable themes and emotional resonance.

One of the World's Biggest Fiction Prizes

Dr. Mullick was awarded a cash prize of $25,000, making it one of the largest awards globally for fiction. The recognition places her alongside the ranks of some of the world's most celebrated literary prize winners.

UK Minister Highlights Cultural Significance

Presenting the award, Rt Hon Lisa Nandy, UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said:

"People-to-people connections are incredibly important. In a polarising world, there's a desperate need for leaders to rise above divisions. Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer have committed to exactly that."

Celebrating Indian Fiction on a Global Stage

Launched at IGF London 2024, the IGF Archer Amish Award for Storytellers celebrates contemporary Indian fiction that reflects the diversity and dynamism of modern India. The award is a collaborative creation by bestselling authors Jeffrey Archer (Kane and Abel, Clifton Chronicles) and Amish Tripathi (Shiva Trilogy, Ram Chandra Series), in partnership with India Global Forum (IGF).

Speaking at the event, Lord Jeffrey Archer remarked,"One of the problems that writers have is that storytellers don't often win awards. But they are the ones readers connect with. It's storytellers who truly matter."

Amish Tripathi added,"The storyteller's job is to grab attention and never let it go. Whether you're a writer or a reader - storytelling is at the heart of communication."

Legacy Through Literature

Manoj Ladwa, Founder and Chairman of IGF, emphasized the award's mission,"At IGF, we believe that every great idea begins with a story. This award brings untold Indian stories to light and puts them on a global platform - literature is a superpower."

Abhinandan Lodha, Founder of The House of Abhinandan Lodha, said,"We develop land tied to India's heritage and spirit. Supporting this award reflects our belief that India's richness lies in the stories we remember and pass on."

2025 IGF Archer Amish Award Finalists

Nitya Neelakanthan - Navapashanam - The Quest for the Nine Magical Poisons

Yogesh Pandey - The Kill Switch

Dr. Shalini Mullick - The Way Home (🏅 Winner)

IGF London 2025: A Decade of UK-India Collaboration

This year's India Global Forum (IGF) London marks ten years since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark 2015 visit to the UK. The event also celebrates the finalisation of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, a milestone shaping future partnerships.

With over 100 speakers, 1,000+ participants, and events across London, IGF London 2025 spans innovation, inclusion, trade, technology, and culture - making it the first global platform to analyse and celebrate this historic collaboration.