Dr. Shalini Mullick Wins Inaugural IGF Archer Amish Award for Storytellers.
London, UK — June 19, 2025
At the prestigious India Global Forum (IGF) London 2025, Dr. Shalini Mullick was announced as the first-ever recipient of the IGF Archer Amish Award for Storytellers, presented in partnership with The House of Abhinandan Lodha. The award ceremony took place at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre and marked a landmark celebration of contemporary Indian fiction on a global stage.
Dr. Shalini Mullick’s novel, The Way Home, was chosen as the inaugural winner for its poignant exploration of grief, identity, and healing. The story follows three millennials who seek refuge in Goa as they confront their personal struggles and ultimately find resilience through friendship and self-discovery.
The award was presented by Rt Hon Lisa Nandy, UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who highlighted the cultural impact of such initiatives:
“People-to-people connections are incredibly important for us. At the global stage, we are finding multiple ways of dividing ourselves. The world is fracturing and polarising, and there is a desperate need for governments that will take a lead in transcending these barriers. That is what PM Modi and PM Keir Starmer have committed to do.”
Dr. Shalini Mullick received a $25,000 cash prize, placing the award among the most prestigious and valuable recognitions in global fiction today.
Recommended: In Conversation with Dr. Shalini Mullick
A Celebration of Storytelling and Cultural Legacy
The IGF Archer Amish Award for Storytellers was launched this year as a collaboration between IGF and bestselling authors Lord Jeffrey Archer (Kane and Abel, Clifton Chronicles) and Amish Tripathi (The Shiva Trilogy, Ram Chandra Series). The award celebrates fiction that reflects the diversity, complexity, and vibrancy of modern India.
Lord Archer emphasized the enduring value of storytellers:
“Storytellers do not often win awards. But it’s the storytellers people read. They stay with us.”
Amish Tripathi echoed this sentiment:
“The job of a storyteller is to grab attention and not let it fade. It’s not just authors—readers too are storytellers. This is how we pass on what matters.”
Manoj Ladwa, Founder and Chairman of IGF, added:
“At IGF, we believe in the power of ideas—and every idea begins with a story. This award brings Indian voices to a global audience and reinforces literature as a force that shapes nations.”
Abhinandan Lodha, Founder of The House of Abhinandan Lodha, shared:
“Our mission has always been to preserve India’s cultural soul through legacy and land. Supporting this award reflects our belief that stories are what we remember, share, and pass on—India’s true richness lies in its storytelling.”
2025 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
The award announcement was a highlight of Day 1 at IGF London 2025, held across iconic venues in London. The event brought together 100+ speakers and over 1,000 participants to engage in dynamic discussions across technology, trade, culture, and commerce.
This year also marks a milestone: a decade since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2015 visit to the UK. With the finalisation of the long-awaited UK-India Free Trade Agreement, IGF London became the first global forum to celebrate and analyse this pivotal development—setting the tone for the next phase of bilateral cooperation.
About India Global Forum
India Global Forum (IGF) tells the story of a changing India. As India drives forward with unprecedented growth and transformation, IGF provides a platform for businesses, leaders, and governments to engage with this opportunity. It is the definitive gateway to connect with contemporary India and shape the global conversation around its future.
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