Nine-year-old singing prodigy Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte from Mizoram was conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on Friday, earning national recognition for her musical excellence and cultural contribution.
Popularly known as Esther Hnamte, she received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The honour places the young singer among the country’s most distinguished child achievers.
Hnamte, who hails from Lunglei town in south Mizoram, began singing at the age of three, initially performing in churches and local functions. Her exceptional talent soon found a wider audience, drawing admiration well beyond the state.
Her parents described the moment as both humbling and overwhelming. “Although we have a very humble beginning, God's kindness and help are marvellous. Not only us (parents) but there are many people who helped and contributed to Hnamte's successful story since she began her singing career at 3,” her mother R Lalawmpuii told reporters. “It is a historic as well as a surprising moment for us as there are many young talents who deserve the award more than our daughter,” she added.
Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh congratulated the young artiste, calling the honour a source of pride for the state and the country. “It is a moment of immense pride for Mizoram and the nation. Wishing you a continued success and a bright future ahead,” he said in a post on X.
Praising her impact, the Governor noted that her renditions of patriotic songs had resonated across the country. “Her soulful renditions of 'Maa Tujhe Salaam', 'Vande Mataram', and several other patriotic songs have touched millions of hearts across the nation, inspiring deep feelings of patriotism and beautifully celebrating India's unity in diversity. At such a tender age, Esther Hnamte truly embodies national pride and cultural harmony, making her a shining inspiration for Viksit Bharat,” Singh said.
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Hnamte shot to national prominence in October 2020 after a video of her singing AR Rahman’s “Vande Mataram” went viral, following shares by former Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In August 2021, she released a video rendition of the national anthem “Jana Gana Mana” on YouTube, featuring the Assam Rifles, which sponsored the project. The video crossed three million views within a week and has since amassed over 56 million views.
In December last year, she performed “Vande Mataram” at the inaugural ceremony of Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav 2024 in the presence of Modi, who praised her performance. On the occasion, Hnamte presented the Prime Minister with a Northeast mascot doll, “Poorvi”.
The youngest of three siblings, she has received several honours, including special appreciation from former governor P S Sreedharan Pillai and the Young Achievers Award presented by Dalmia Cement Bharat Limited. She was also named Amul Girl by the dairy cooperative in 2021.
A documentary on her life, A Star is Born, won the Silver award for Best Documentary at the Northeast Film Festival in 2023.
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