Inaugural IGF Archer Amish Award Puts Indian Storytelling in Global Spotlight

The India Global Forum (IGF) is set to announce the winner of the inaugural Archer Amish Award for Storytellers this week at IGF London 2025. Launched in collaboration with internationally renowned authors Jeffrey Archer and Amish Tripathi, and powered by the House of Abhinandan Lodha, this prestigious literary award celebrates contemporary Indian fiction that reflects the diversity, aspirations, and cultural vibrancy of modern India.

With a grand prize of $25,000, one of the largest for fiction worldwide, the Archer Amish Award ranks among the top global literary honors. It aims to spotlight Indian voices, champion authentic narratives, and foster meaningful UK-India cultural exchange.

Celebrating Indian Authors at IGF London 2025

The award will be presented by Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, alongside IGF Chairman Manoj Ladwa, and the two co-creators of the award, Archer and Amish. Lisa Nandy's participation underscores the UK government's commitment to deepening creative collaboration with India, especially as the UK-India FTA enters a new phase.

Three outstanding Indian authors are shortlisted for the first-ever IGF Archer Amish Award:

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

Yogesh Pandey - The Kill Switch

Dr. Shalini Mullick - The Way Home

Strengthening UK-India Cultural Ties Through Storytelling

Manoj Ladwa, Founder and Chairman of IGF, said:

"The Archer Amish Award reflects our mission to elevate Indian storytelling on a global platform, sparking cross-cultural conversations at a crucial point in UK-India relations."

Jeffrey Archer, the bestselling British author behind Kane and Abel and The Clifton Chronicles, added:

"Awards like this are crucial - they offer recognition to those who've poured their heart into creating something meaningful."

Amish Tripathi, celebrated Indian author and head of the judging panel, explained:

"This award isn't just about storytelling, it's about Indians narrating their own stories, through their own lens - not through a Western filter. That shift in perspective is vital."

Award Ceremony at Queen Elizabeth II Centre, London

The Archer Amish Award 2025 will be presented on 18 June at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre during the India Global Forum London 2025, marking a milestone in the evolving UK-India creative partnership.

About India Global Forum

India Global Forum (IGF) showcases the story of modern India and its role on the world stage. As India accelerates its economic and cultural journey, IGF acts as a gateway for global leaders and businesses to engage with this momentum.