The pleasant feel of homecoming

Speaker of Kerala, K. Radhakrishnan (Right) receiving back the National Flag from magician Gopinath Muthukad at Gandhi Park in Thiruvananthapuram.

Homecoming is something precious for all. Its soothing value multiplies when you reach home after a tiring 60-day voyage of fierce trials and tribulations. The homecoming equals a sublime experience especially when the expedition is on road, upholding a mission of unity and harmony, battling challenging geographical adversities. This is exactly what the Vismay Swaraj Yatra team led by magical maestro Gopinath Muthukad has experienced on 30th November.


This map has the route traversed by the magical entourage, highlighted.

After traversing a huge distance of 17500 kilometers by a bus and a pickup van, the 26-member entourage comprising of seven girls were back in Thiruvananthapuram, Capital City of their home State Kerala. It was from here that they had begun the magical voyage on 21st of September. For the dedicated team who had successfully linked together multitudes of Indian hearts together using the graceful strings of magic, waiting was rousing reception at Gandhi Park. The function was organised by the Kerala State Youth Welfare Board (KSYWB).

The sprawling lawns of the park were packed by spectators well in advance, thanks to a charming performance by reputed street magician Farooq and his ward. When the vehicles carrying the euphoric magical entourage approached the park, they were first received by a resounding patriotic song sung by NBS Youth choir.



M.L.A., V. Sivankutty (Right) honouring driver of the Vismay Swaraj Yatra bus, M.V. Narayanan (Mama) and driver of Pickup van, Shafeek (below) for their immaculate performances.



All the 26 members of the magic team were seated on chairs set on a pristine stage, with their leader Mr. Muthukad on the front row along with a row of dignitaries. The event was graced with the presence of the Speaker of Kerala Assembly, K. Radhakrishnan; Members of Legislative Assembly, K. Sivankutty and Surendran Pillai; District Collector, N. Ayyappan, Padmasree laureate poet and patron of Magic Academy, O.N.V. Kurup, Vice Chairman of KSYWB, Sreerama Krishnan; Vice Chairman of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Kodikunnil Suresh, Chairman of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, Cheriyan Philip and Member Secretary of KSYWB, Dr. Muhammed Ashraf.

When Mr. Muthukad was invited for giving a brief description of the experiences of the all India voyage, there was a perfect silence among the audience. With his usual deftness, he used a lucid language to draw a clear but concise figure of the delights and dismays of a 60-day voyage through the vast expanse of the country.

Then, there were sentimentally rousing moments when the National Flag that had been kept as a source of motivation by the Vismay Swaraj Yatra was formally returned to the Speaker by the magician. The flag was entrusted to them on 20th September by the Chief Minister, V.S. Achuthanandan. The return ceremony has displayed how deeply each member of the magic team is inclined to the National Flag. At first Divya, a girl member of the entourage unfurled the flag from the extreme end. Then it was handed over to each other who received the Flag in standing position. Finally, it was handed over to the team leader Mr. Muthukad by Co-ordinator of the voyage, K.P. Sivakumar.

"Muthukad's successful completion of the Vismay Swaraj Yatra is a matter of pride for the entire nation and particularly for all Malayalees", the Speaker said during his inaugural address. He also added that the magical mission was worth emulative for people of all spheres, who wish to contribute something for the unity of the nation.

"No effort becomes an art unless it is of any use for the humanity", commented Mr. O.N.V. Kurup, praising the admirable model set by Mr. Muthukad. Mr. Sivankutty distributed to the Yatra team mementos issued by the Cultural Department, whereas Mr. Surendran Pillai gave away certificates from the KSYWB.
Distrct Collector stole the event with his gifted talent for singing. For the occasion he had Vayalar's popular lyrics: Manushyan Mathangale Srishtichu… (Man created religions…).