Mizoram is celebrating a moment of immense national pride following a special ceremony at Lok Bhavan. On January 8, 2026, Governor Vijay Kumar Singh officially felicitated 9-year-old singing sensation Esther Hnamte. This meeting celebrated her recent receipt of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025. This award is the highest civilian honor in India for children. It recognizes her extraordinary contributions to the field of Art and Culture.
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Governor Lauds Esther Hnamte for National Honour
Governor Singh invited the young artist to the Raj Bhavan to personally congratulate her. During the interaction, he described her achievement as a milestone for the entire state. He noted that her success brings glory not just to Mizoram but to the entire nation. Furthermore, the Governor encouraged Esther to maintain her disciplined training. He believes that with continued dedication, she will reach even greater heights in the global music industry.
Esther’s journey to this Esther Hnamte national honour began at a very young age. Born in Lunglei, she started singing in church choirs when she was only three years old. However, she gained nationwide fame in 2020. Her rendition of “Maa Tujhe Salaam” went viral and even caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Consequently, her voice became a symbol of youthful patriotism and talent across India.
A Rising Star on the National Stage
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is just the latest addition to her growing list of accolades. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to her on December 26, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This recognition highlights her ability to unite people through music. Moreover, Esther recently performed the patriotic song “Teri Mitti” at Antilia, the residence of Mukesh Ambani. This performance took place during a special event for the Indian cricket teams.
Highlights of Esther Hnamte’s Achievements:
- National Recognition: Recipient of the Bal Puraskar 2025 in Art and Culture.
- YouTube Milestone: First individual from Mizoram to cross one million subscribers.
- Patriotic Icon: Famous for viral renditions of “Vande Mataram” and the National Anthem.
- Cultural Ambassador: Performed at the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav in the presence of the Prime Minister.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Talent
The Esther Hnamte national honour serves as an inspiration for many young children in the Northeast. Her story proves that talent can emerge from any corner of the country. By honoring her, the Governor emphasized the importance of supporting local artists. He stated that the government remains committed to providing platforms for young achievers. This support ensures that more children from Mizoram can showcase their skills on the national stage.
In addition to her singing, Esther’s life was recently featured in a documentary titled “A Star is Born.” This film won the Silver Award for Best Documentary at the Northeast Film Festival. These achievements show that she is a multi-talented individual with a bright future ahead. Therefore, the state government and local communities are doing everything possible to nurture her gift.
Conclusion: A Voice That Unites India
In conclusion, the felicitation by the Governor marks a high point in Esther’s career. Her journey from a small town in Lunglei to the halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan is truly remarkable. The Esther Hnamte national honour is a testament to her hard work and the rich cultural heritage of Mizoram. As she continues to grow, her voice will likely continue to inspire and unite millions across the country.
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