A nine-year-old singing talent from Mizoram, Esther Hnamte, has received one of the highest national awards for children. She was honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 in the Art and Culture category. The award was presented to her by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held in New Delhi on December 26.
Esther is already well known across the country for her clear and powerful voice. Many people first came to know her when she was only four years old. At that young age, she sang A.R. Rahman’s “Maa Tujhe Salaam” and also performed the national anthem. These songs were shared widely on social media, and people were surprised that such a small child could sing with so much confidence and emotion.
Her songs soon reached national leaders as well. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were among those who appreciated her performances. They praised the young singer for spreading a sense of unity and patriotism through her music. 
At the award ceremony in Delhi, Esther was one of 16 children from different parts of India who were recognised for their achievements. The awards covered several areas, including bravery, social service, environment, sports, science and technology, and art and culture. The event brought together children who have done something special at a very young age.
President Murmu congratulated all the award winners and said they had brought pride not only to their families but also to their communities and the nation. She also said that such recognition would encourage many more children to work hard, stay disciplined, and contribute positively to society.
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is given every year to children under the age of 18 who show outstanding talent or courage. It is considered the highest civilian honour for children in India. Receiving this award at the age of nine has placed Esther among the youngest cultural achievers in the country.
Although Esther is still very young, this is not the first time she has been honoured. In 2020, she received a special appreciation award from the Governor of Mizoram. The following year, she was given the Young Achievers Award by Dalmia Cement Bharat Limited.
Also in 2021, the Mizo Zaimi Inzawmkhawm, which is the singers’ society of the state, honoured her for her work in a special music video of the national anthem created along with the Indian Army. Through this project, she once again showed her love for the country and her ability to connect with people through music.
