Aizawl, Dec 29: When nine-year-old Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte stepped forward to receive the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 from President Droupadi Murmu on December 26, her calm confidence masked a journey that began with uncertainty and fragile beginnings. Born on June 9, 2016, in Lunglei, Mizoram, to taxi driver Lalrinenga Hnamte and his wife R. Lalawmpui, a retired church soprano, Esther faced early health challenges that once caused deep concern for her family. Today, she stands recognised as one of India’s most remarkable young cultural ambassadors.
Esther was honoured in the Art and Culture category, joining 16 children from across the country who were awarded for outstanding achievements spanning bravery, social service, environment, sports, science and technology. Congratulating the recipients, President Murmu said the award-winning children had brought pride to their families, communities and the nation, and expressed hope that their achievements would inspire young people across India.
The youngest of three siblings, Esther began singing at just two years old in churches and community programmes around Lunglei. While her powerful, high-pitched voice caught attention early, it was her ability to memorise and perform Hindi and English songs despite speaking only Mizo at home that set her apart. Her mother, drawing from her own musical background, recognised her daughter’s rare talent and began guiding her carefully.
The turning point came in 2020 during the nationwide lockdown. With churches closed and public performances halted, the family began recording songs at home. One such video, Esther’s rendition of AR Rahman’s “Maa Tujhe Salaam”, spread rapidly online and struck a chord far beyond Mizoram, transforming her into a national sensation almost overnight.
Her performances soon drew appreciation from senior political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who praised her for promoting national unity through music. Former Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga also shared her videos, amplifying her reach. By the age of four, Esther had already become a familiar face to millions across the country.
By 2025, her YouTube channel had crossed one million subscribers, making her the first Mizo artist to achieve the milestone and the fastest-growing among Mizo creators. Her collaboration with the Assam Rifles on “Jana Gana Mana” garnered 56 million views, cementing her place as a powerful cultural link between the Northeast and the rest of India.
Honours followed in quick succession. Mizoram Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai presented her with a special award in 2020, while Dalmia Cement recognised her with the Young Achievers Award in 2021. Amul featured her as its “Amul Girl” the same year, and the Mizo Zaimi Inzawmkhawm, the state’s singers’ association, conferred a special recognition. In 2025, YouTube awarded her both the Silver and Gold Play Buttons. She has performed for the Prime Minister and was gifted a guitar by Home Minister Amit Shah.
Her inspiring journey was also captured in the 2023 documentary A Star is Born, which won a silver award at the Northeast Film Festival. Beyond accolades and numbers, Esther Hnamte has come to symbolise possibility for countless young talents from the Northeast, proving that language, geography and age are no barriers to national and global recognition.
At just nine, Esther has already achieved what many artists strive for over a lifetime. The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, which honours extraordinary achievements by individuals under 18, marks another milestone in a story that continues to unfold, note by note, from Lunglei to the national stage.
