When Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte received India’s highest civilian honour for children from President Droupadi Murmu on December 26, 2025, few could have imagined that this poised nine-year-old once fought for survival in her early days. Born on June 9, 2016, in Lunglei, Mizoram, to taxi driver Lalrinenga Hnamte and retired church soprano R. Lalawmpui, Esther faced health challenges that concerned her parents. Today, she is the voice uniting millions across India.
Esther was awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 in the Art & Culture category, joining 15 other children recognized for extraordinary achievements in areas such as bravery, social service, environmental work, sports, and science and technology. President Murmu praised these young recipients, stating they brought pride to their families, communities, and the nation, and expressed hope that their accomplishments would inspire children nationwide.
The youngest of three siblings, Esther began singing at just two years old in local churches and community events. Her remarkable ability to memorize Hindi and English lyrics, despite only speaking Mizo at home, astounded listeners. Her mother, leveraging her own musical experience, recognized the unique talent in Esther’s high-pitched voice and nurtured it carefully.
However, the defining moment came in 2020 during nationwide lockdowns when Esther’s family started recording videos at home. Her rendition of AR Rahman’s “Maa Tujhe Salaam” went viral, capturing public attention and turning Esther into a phenomenon.
By the age of four, her performances garnered acclaim from influential figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who praised her for promoting national unity through music. Former Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga also shared her videos, bringing Esther into the spotlight of millions.
As of 2025, her YouTube channel surpassed 1 million subscribers, making her the first Mizo artist to achieve this and the fastest-growing among Mizo creators. Her collaboration with Assam Rifles on “Jana Gana Mana” alone amassed 56 million views. Esther symbolizes a bridge between Northeast India and the rest of the country, built through her music.
Recognition poured in swiftly. In 2020, Mizoram’s Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai honored her with a special award. She received the Young Achievers Award from Dalmia Cement in 2021, and the same year, Amul featured her as their “Amul Girl.” The Mizo Zaimi Inzawmkhawm, the state’s singers’ society, also recognized her efforts. YouTube presented her with both Silver and Gold Play Buttons in 2025. She has performed for the Prime Minister and even received a guitar from Home Minister Amit Shah.
A 2023 documentary about her journey, titled “A Star is Born,” won silver at the Northeast Film Festival. Perhaps more importantly, Esther has inspired a new generation of young talents from the Northeast, proving that their voices matter and that geography does not limit possibilities. A girl from Lunglei has shown that she can unite a nation through song.
At just nine years old, Esther Hnamte has already achieved what many artists strive for throughout their entire careers. The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, which honors exceptional accomplishments by individuals under 18, is merely the latest milestone in her remarkable journey.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/mizoram/story/how-a-child-from-mizoram-became-one-of-indias-most-recognisable-young-voices-1323623-2025-12-29?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-12-29 11:14:00
