Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte, a remarkable singing prodigy from Mizoram, has been awarded the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar. This honor was bestowed upon her by President Droupadi Murmu during a ceremony in New Delhi, highlighting her exceptional talent and contribution to the cultural landscape of India. At just a few years old, Hnamte’s emotional performances of patriotic anthems such as “Maa Tujhe Salaam” and “Vande Mataram” have resonated with millions, fostering a sense of national pride and emphasizing the theme of unity in diversity that characterizes India.
Born on June 9, 2016, Hnamte showcased her singing abilities at the tender age of three, primarily performing in local churches and community events. Her breakout moment occurred in October 2020 when a video of her singing “Vande Mataram,” shared by then-Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga and later by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gained widespread attention and went viral. Following this success, she released a music video of the national anthem in August 2021, sponsored by the Assam Rifles, which rapidly amassed over three million views in its first week and has since surpassed 47 million.
Hnamte’s talent was further recognized when she performed “Vande Mataram” at the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav in December, attended by Prime Minister Modi, who expressed his admiration for her voice. During this occasion, she also presented Modi with a “Poorvi”, a doll representing the Northeast. As the youngest among three siblings, Hnamte’s achievements have drawn accolades from various quarters, including praise from former Mizoram Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai and the Young Achievers Award from Dalmia Cement Bharat Limited. In 2021, she became the face of an Amul advertisement, representing the dairy cooperative. Additionally, a documentary titled ‘A Star is Born’, chronicling Hnamte’s journey, won the Best Documentary Award (Silver) at the 2023 Northeast Film Festival. Her accomplishments have been celebrated as a significant source of pride for both Mizoram and India as a whole, marking her as a beacon of inspiration for a developed Bharat (Viksit Bharat).
