No magic in management

Management is some thing that demands special skill and devotion. In this booming corporate culture and customs in running institutions, magic troupes do not make a difference. If to achieve professional excellence and profitable running, a magic troupe also has to adopt modern management measures. This was conspicuous in a recently held joint annual planning meeting of the Muthukad Magical Entertainers, Magic Academy and Magic Academy Research Centre (MARC). [Photo: Members of Muthukad Magical Entertainers on their arrival at U.A.E.]

The meeting was held at Manaltheeram seaside Ayurvedic resort near Kovalam in Thiruvananthapuram. Held under the chairmanship of Gopinath Muthukad, the conference touched almost all aspects of management mantras – especially those essential for an entertainment group to sustain the challenges of modern era. Managerial basics including planning, organising, leading and controlling to achieve a specific goal was debated, but inclined to the limitations and scopes of a theatrical group. Thatched conference hall of Manaltheeram had every aspect to offer lush ethnic charm including tranquil air to inspire creativity. Sea waves offered a murmuring music in the background.

Proverbs and quotations were used aplenty by almost all speakers. The Annual Report itself had a meaningful conclusion with Pulitzer prize winning American author John Updike’s quote: Dreams come true. Without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them. The President of India, His Excellency Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s famous quotes on dreams were explored to substantiate the need for a specific yearly goals. To be born as a poor is not your mistake, but to die as a poor is your mistake was a food for thought provided by Mr. Muthukad. While debating on the necessity for intra and inter team harmony, Director of Magic Academy, magician Rajamoorthy made a question that sparked logical flames in the minds of listeners: Am I smiling because I’m happy or am I happy because I’m smiling?

However, at the end of the meeting, members of the three institutions were indeed smiling, because they were happy about the knowledge acquired, problems shared and solutions obtained. Among the Directors of the Academy, if magician Chandrasenan Mithirmala was absent, its Middle East Director, Sashi Nair managed to give his graceful, brief talk before leaving very early for catching a flight.

Now, in order to enhance their coming year's performance, Muthukad Magical Entertainers, Magic Academy and Magic Academy research Centre solemnly invite ideas from all sincere fans of magic and magicians. Send suggestions to muthukad@gmail.com