Aizawl: Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh on Thursday felicitated nine-year-old singing prodigy Esther Hnamte of Lunglei for being conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, the country’s highest civilian award for children, Lok Bhavan sources said.
Singh congratulated Hnamte on her remarkable achievement, describing it as a matter of immense pride not only for Mizoram but for the entire nation, the sources said. He also encouraged her to continue disciplined training and strive for greater excellence in the future.
Hnamte was among several children honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for exceptional accomplishments in music and cultural contributions at a young age. She received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on December 26.
Earlier this week, Hnamte performed the patriotic song “Teri Mitti” at Antilia, the residence of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, after being specially invited to an event organised for India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams.
Born on June 9, 2016, Hnamte began singing at the age of three, initially performing in churches and at local functions. She rose to national prominence in October 2020 when 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 last year, she performed “Vande Mataram” at the inaugural ceremony of Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav 2024 in the presence of Prime Minister Modi.
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The child prodigy has received several accolades, including a special appreciation from former Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai and the Young Achievers Award presented by Dalmia Cement Bharat Limited. She was also honoured as the Amul Girl by the country’s largest dairy cooperative, Amul, in 2021.
