Mizoram Child Prodigy Esther Hnamte Receives Rashtriya Bal Puraskar From President Murmu

The honor recognizes a trajectory launched by a 2020 patriotic performance that drew national attention.

Overview

Nine-year-old Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte was presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on December 26.
She was among 20 children honored during the Veer Bal Diwas ceremony in New Delhi for achievements across fields.
Hnamte, from Lunglei in Mizoram, began singing at age three and was cited for her musical talent and cultural contribution.
Her national profile rose after a 2020 video of her AR Rahman rendition of Vande Mataram was shared by former CM Zoramthanga and later by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Subsequent milestones included a 2021 Jana Gana Mana video with Assam Rifles that amassed tens of millions of views, public congratulations from Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh, and her family’s expression of gratitude for widespread support.