Esther Hnamte, Aishi Borah from NE win Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025
Agartala Dec 26: Two exceptionally talented children from Mizoram and Assam were conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025, the country’s highest civilian honour for children, for their outstanding contributions in Art & Culture and Science & Technology.
According to a PIB press release, Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte of Mizoram and Aishi Prisha Borah of Assam are two children from the Northeast among the 20 recipients of the award.
President of India, Droupadi Murmu, conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on children for their exceptional achievements in the fields of Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art & Culture and Science & Technology at a ceremony held in New Delhi.
Mizoram’s Young Voice of Patriotism: Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte
A resident of Lunglei in Mizoram, Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte (9), a singing prodigy received the prestigious award in the Art and Culture category for her inspiring patriotic performances that have resonated with millions across India.
Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh congratulated Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte saying she truly embodies national pride and cultural harmony, making her a shining inspiration for Viksit Bharat.
Heartiest congratulations to Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte, the young singing prodigy from Mizoram, on receiving the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.
Her soulful renditions of “Maa Tujhe Salaam”, “Vande Mataram”, and several other patriotic songs have touched… pic.twitter.com/NCWLKXfvdJ
— Governor of Mizoram (@MizoramGovernor) December 26, 2025
Esther was born on June 9, 2016 and began singing at the age of three. She rose to national prominence in October 2020 after her powerful rendition of AR Rahman’s “Vande Mataram” went viral on social media. The video gained widespread visibility after being shared by former Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga and later reposted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Northeast Today reported, Esther released a professionally produced video in August 2021 of the Indian National Anthem on YouTube, featuring Assam Rifles personnel, who also supported the initiative. The video crossed three million views within a week and has since surpassed 47 million views, making it one of the most-viewed patriotic performances by a child artist in India.
Her national recognition continued in December 2024, when she performed “Vande Mataram” at the inauguration of the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav in New Delhi, attended by Prime Minister Modi, who praised her performance. During the event, Esther presented the Prime Minister with a Northeast-themed mascot named “Poorvi.”
The youngest among three siblings, Esther has received multiple accolades, including the Young Achievers Award by Dalmia Cement Bharat Limited. She was also featured as the iconic Amul Girl in 2021.
‘A Star is Born’, a documentary on her journey won the Silver Award for Best Documentary at the Northeast Film Festival 2023. Her achievement is being celebrated as a proud moment for both Mizoram and the nation.
Innovator in Sustainable Science: Aishi Prisha Borah from Jorhat
A 14-year old Aishi Prisha Borah from Jorhat, Assam was the another child from the Northeast who was honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 in the Science and Technology category for her innovative and eco-friendly scientific projects.
Aishi Borah’s work focuses on sustainable development and waste-to-wealth solutions, including projects on natural farming methods, newspaper mulching, and the development of a machine that produces pencils from recycled newspaper waste. She participated Rashtriya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshini in New Delhi, the Regional State Science Exhibition, and the National Children’s Science Congress in Ahmedabad, Eastmojo reported.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma lauded her initiative promoting sustainable practices from ‘such a tender age’.
Congratulations to Aishi Prisha Borah from Jorhat on being conferred with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in Science and Technology by Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji.
Aishi has implemented projects in natural farming & turning waste to wealth among others.… pic.twitter.com/q4P1VrwvUz
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) December 26, 2025
Youth Excellence and the Spirit of Veer Baal Diwas
The recognition of these young achievers coincides with Veer Baal Diwas, observed annually on December 26, commemorating the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh ji. The day honours extraordinary courage and sacrifice, values reflected in the determination and excellence shown by today’s young awardees.
With their accomplishments, Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte and Aishi Prisha Borah stand as shining examples of India’s next generation—creative, innovative, and deeply rooted in national values—strengthening the vision of a Viksit Bharat.