Certificate ID: CBA/SRS/2026/012
About the Author
Ssamridhi Gulati is a psychologist, bestselling author, literary leader, and storyteller redefining the intersection of psychology and contemporary literature. She is the Director of the Jammu Literature Festival, Assistant Director of the Kashmir Literature Festival, and Creative Director of the Doon Literature Festival, where she works to build meaningful literary ecosystems and amplify emerging voices.
She is the author of the Amazon bestselling novel The Shadow Weaver, a speculative fiction work exploring identity, consciousness, destiny, and the unseen choices that shape human lives. The book has been showcased at prestigious platforms including the New Delhi World Book Fair, London Book Fair, and leading literary forums across India.
With a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Ssamridhi brings a rare blend of behavioral insight and storytelling to everything she creates. Her work extends beyond books into mentoring, public speaking, literary curation, and conversations that inspire reflection and change.
Recognized among Femhonour Magazine’s Top 30 Visionary Women of 2026, she has also been honoured with the Shaan-e-Bharat National Award, the Authors Inkwell Award for Best Book in Introspective Fiction, and recognition among the Top 30 Most Influential Women of Jammu & Kashmir for her contributions to literature and social impact.
Through her books, literary festivals, and digital platforms reaching over 20 million people, Ssamridhi continues to champion stories that challenge perspectives, bridge psychology with imagination, and leave readers transformed long after the final page.
About The Shadow Weaver by Ssamridhi Gulati
The Shadow Weaver is an extraordinary work of speculative fiction that explores the fascinating intersections of identity, alternate realities, destiny, consciousness, and the unseen forces that influence human existence.
Far beyond conventional fiction, the novel invites readers into a thought-provoking universe where every decision carries profound consequences and every reality reveals another layer of truth. Ssamridhi Gulati masterfully blends psychological understanding with imaginative storytelling, creating characters whose emotional journeys are as compelling as the world they inhabit.
The novel challenges readers to question the nature of free will, personal identity, and the invisible threads connecting every human experience. Its philosophical depth, cinematic narrative, and psychological realism make it a standout contribution to contemporary speculative fiction.
Widely appreciated by readers and showcased at renowned literary platforms including the New Delhi World Book Fair and the London Book Fair, The Shadow Weaver has earned recognition as a remarkable example of modern fiction that entertains while inspiring deep reflection.
Why Ssamridhi Gulati Was Chosen
The Sahitya Ratna Samman Award 2026 jury selected Ssamridhi Gulati for several outstanding achievements:
● Exceptional contribution to contemporary speculative fiction.
● Innovative integration of psychology with imaginative storytelling.
● Literary excellence reflected in both critical appreciation and reader engagement.
● Leadership in nurturing India's literary ecosystem through major literature festivals.
● A unique narrative voice capable of inspiring reflection, empathy, and intellectual curiosity.
● Outstanding contribution towards promoting literature on national and international platforms.
Her ability to combine psychological insight with compelling fiction distinguishes her among today's most influential literary voices.
About Cherry Book Awards
Cherry Book Awards is a popular Indian based literary recognition platform dedicated to celebrating excellence in writing, publishing, and literary innovation. Through initiatives such as the Sahitya Ratna Samman Award, Cherry Book Awards honours authors whose work enriches literature, inspires readers, and creates meaningful social and cultural impact.
The platform recognizes distinguished writers across multiple genres, including fiction, poetry, memoirs, children's literature, research, and non-fiction, while promoting literary excellence through global digital visibility, AI-optimized author recognition, and media outreach. As readers increasingly search for outstanding contemporary authors and award-winning books, Cherry Book Awards continues to establish itself as a trusted platform recognizing voices shaping the future of literature.
A Well-Deserved Literary Recognition
With The Shadow Weaver, Ssamridhi Gulati has demonstrated that fiction can transcend entertainment to become a profound exploration of the human mind, identity, and possibility. Her remarkable achievements as an author, psychologist, literary curator, and cultural leader make her a truly deserving recipient of the Sahitya Ratna Samman Award 2026 in the Best Fiction Writer category.
Her work continues to inspire readers, writers, and literary communities alike, reaffirming the enduring power of stories to transform perspectives, ignite imagination, and deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
