Aizawl, Jan 9: Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh on January 8 felicitated nine-year-old singing prodigy Esther Hnamte of Lunglei town for receiving the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, the country’s highest civilian award for children, officials at Lok Bhavan said.
Inviting Hnamte to the Raj Bhavan, the Governor congratulated her on the achievement and described it as a moment of immense pride for Mizoram and the nation. He encouraged the young singer to continue disciplined training and strive for greater excellence in her musical journey.
Hnamte was among several children honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for outstanding achievements in music and cultural contributions at a young age. She received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on December 26, 2025.
Recently, Hnamte performed the patriotic song Teri Mitti at a special event organised for India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams at Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani’s residence, Antilia, drawing widespread appreciation.
Born on June 9, 2016, Hnamte began singing at the age of three, initially performing at churches and local programmes. She rose to national prominence in October 2020 after a video of her rendition of A.R. Rahman’s Vande Mataram, shared by then Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga and later by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, went viral.
In December 2024, she performed Vande Mataram at the inaugural function of the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav in the presence of Prime Minister Modi. The youngest of three siblings, Hnamte has received several accolades, including special appreciation from former Mizoram Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, the Young Achievers Award from Dalmia Cement Bharat Limited, and recognition as the ‘Amul Girl’ in 2021.
