Mizoram’s Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte Honoured with Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte, a child singing prodigy from Mizoram, has been honored with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, awarded by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi. Her expressive performances of patriotic songs like “Maa Tujhe Salaam” and “Vande Mataram” have moved audiences nationally, representing both national pride and cultural unity. Born on June 9, 2016, Hnamte started singing at age three, primarily in churches and local events. She rose to national prominence in October 2020 when a video of her singing “Vande Mataram” went viral, shared by notable figures including the Prime Minister. In August 2021, her national anthem music video, supported by the Assam Rifles, achieved over 47 million views.

She has performed her signature song at significant events, receiving accolades from leaders including Prime Minister Modi, and gifted him a doll named “Poorvi” during a performance at the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav. The youngest of three siblings, Hnamte has received various honors, including special recognition from former Mizoram governor PS Sreedharan Pillai and the Young Achievers Award from Dalmia Cement Bharat Limited. Additionally, she was featured in an Amul advertisement and a documentary about her life, ‘A Star is Born’, won the Best Documentary Award at the Northeast Film Festival in 2023. Hnamte’s accomplishments represent a notable source of pride for both her home state of Mizoram and India as a whole.