Guwahati, Dec 26: Two children from the Northeast—one an innovator in sustainable science, the other a rising voice in patriotic music—were honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on Friday, underscoring the region’s growing presence on India’s national talent map.
Aishi Prisha Borah (14) of Jorhat, Assam, received the award for Excellence in Science & Technology, while Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte (9) of Lunglei, Mizoram, was recognised for Excellence in Art & Culture. The awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony attended by Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi and Minister of State Savitri Thakur.
Aishi has earned national attention for her hands-on innovations focused on sustainability—ranging from natural farming practices and newspaper mulching to designing a machine that makes pencils from recycled newspaper waste. She has showcased her work at major platforms such as the Rashtriya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshini in New Delhi and the National Children’s Science Congress in Ahmedabad. Her accolades include the INSPIRE MANAK State Award (2022) and the Dinanath Pandey Silver Innovator Award at the Innovation Festival 2025. The jury cited her “consistent pursuit of practical, eco-friendly solutions” while conferring the honour.
Esther, meanwhile, has captured hearts nationwide with her emotive patriotic songs. With over 20 million views on YouTube and 1.13 million subscribers, the nine-year-old has emerged as one of India’s youngest viral music sensations. She has performed at national platforms, including the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav in December 2024, and has been praised by leaders such as Union Home Minister Amit Shah. She also performed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a milestone for the young singer from a modest background.
This year, 20 children from 18 States and Union Territories were selected for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, India’s highest civilian honour for children.
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