4-year-old kid is youngest author

LAKHIMPUR (ASSAM) — At an age when children can barely string two sentences together, four-year old Ayan Gogoi Gohain of Assam’s North Lakhimpur district has earned the rare distinction of ‘Youngest Author of India’.

The India Book of Records has bestowed the title on Gohain, a student of St Mary’s School in North Lakhimpur, for his book Honeycomb, published in January this year. The book, priced Rs250, comprises 30 anecdotes and accompanying illustrations by the toddler.

India Book of Records documents extraordinary feats by individuals across the country. It awarded Gohain with a plaque and a certificate in January for his achievement.

According to the blurb of the book, the preschooler took to painting at the age of one. By three, he could “compose stories” all by himself.

“The amazing journey of Honeycomb started when he began to address his insatiable love for words, colours, sounds, tastes and

sights with his keen observation,” it read.

Gohain, who lives with his grandparents, said he writes about everyday things that catches his fancy. His parents are based in Mizoram.

“I see what is happening around and write about it. It could be anything a chat with my grandfather, or something new I just learned,” the toddler said.

The four-year-old boy considers his grandfather Purno Kanta Gogoi his ‘best friend’ and ‘hero’.

“My grandfather inspires me to paint and write about new stuff every day. He is my story teller, a

rock star and a football lover. He is my best friend. My Chocolate Man!” Gohain gushed.

Gogoi, a retired bank officer, thinks the little one would create wonders when he grew up. “He is a wonder kid. I remember he had once seen a rainbow and composed a poem, comparing its seven colours with the seven notes of music,” Gogoi recounted.

Even the cover page of Honeycomb was designed by Gohain, the retired bank officer said.

“Ayan has a passion for yoga. He likes watching cartoons, playing badminton and football, baking, and gardening. —