Mizoram Governor felicitates child singing prodigy Esther Hnamte

Aizawl: Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh on Thursday felicitated Esther Hnamte, a child singing prodigy from south Mizoram’s Lunglei town, for bagging the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, the country’s highest civilian honour for children, Lok Bhavan sources said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Hnamte was also felicitated by the state Women and Child Development Department in the presence of Minister Lalrinpuii.

Inviting her to Lok Bhavan, Singh congratulated Hnamte on her remarkable achievement and described her success as a matter of immense pride not only for Mizoram but for the entire nation, the sources said.

The Governor encouraged her to continue disciplined training and strive for greater excellence in the future, noting that she stands as an inspiration and a symbol of potential for young talents across the country.

Hnamte was among several children who received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in recognition of their achievements in music and cultural contributions at a young age.

The nine-year-old singing prodigy received the prestigious award from President Droupadi Murmu at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on December 26.

On being invited by Asia’s richest man and Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, Hnamte also performed a rendition of the patriotic song ‘Teri Mitti’ at his residence, Antilia, during a special event organised for India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams on Monday.

Born on June 9, 2016, Hnamte, who hails from south Mizoram’s Lunglei town, began singing at the age of three and performed primarily in churches and at other functions.

She gained widespread recognition when 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 October 2020.

In December last year, Hnamte performed ‘Vande Mataram’ at the inaugural function of Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav 2024 in the presence of Modi.

The youngest of three siblings, Hnamte has won several awards, including special appreciation from former state governor P. S. Sreedharan Pillai and the Young Achievers Award presented by Dalmia Cement Bharat Limited.

She was also honoured by the country’s largest dairy firm, Amul, as its Amul Girl in 2021.

A documentary on her life, ‘A Star is Born’, won the Best Documentary Award (Silver) at the Northeast Film Festival in 2023.