From the first biography of an Assamese: Nineteenth-century scholar Ananda Ram Dhekial Phookan

On 22 September 1829, Ananda Ram Phookan was born... His birth brought immense joy to his family, and his father, Haliram, spared no expense on donations and offerings. Ananda Ram was showered with love and affection, though little is remembered about his childhood antics. As a toddler, he did not behave like other children, even when his parents showed affection to other kids. On one occasion, his mother had to breastfeed his cousin Gangaram when the latter’s mother was experiencing breast pain, yet Ananda Ram did not throw a tantrum.

Overall, Ananda Ram was a chubby and healthy child. At times, he would be cross, but he always played joyfully with his sister and other boys. However, he rarely approached Haliram when he was home, as he was afraid of his father. Despite this, he was not afraid of interacting with others. Ranaram Barua loved him dearly, and Ananda Ram would often reach up to touch his bald head while sitting on his lap. Tragically, Ananda Ram was only three years old when his father passed away. Though he could not fully comprehend the loss, he cried several times upon seeing others in sorrow. As he grew, he cherished his father’s memory...

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