Kerala University recognition for Magic Academy’s courses

University recognition for a magic teaching course is first time in the world.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala University (KU) has recognised the courses in the art and science of magic offered by the Magic Academy led by ace illusionist Gopinath Muthukad. Kerala University’s Centre for Adult Continuing Education Extension (CACEE) will conduct examinations and issue certificates for the Certificate and Diploma courses of the Academy. A recognition of this sort for courses in the art of magic is for the first time in the world. Today morning in the presence of the Vice Chancellor, Dr. A. Jayakrishnan, a memorandum of understanding in this regards was signed between the Executive Director of the Academy, Gopinath Muthukad and Registrar of the university, K.A. Hashim. Director of the CACEE, Dr. Supriya, Honorary Director of the Academy, R. Raja Moorthy and General Manager of the Academy, K.P. Sivakumar were present.

Milestone: Kerala University Vice Chancellor, Dr. A.Jayakrishnan (second right) hands over the MoU recognising the Magic Academy’s certificate and diploma courses to the Academy’s Executive Director, Gopinath Muthukad. Registrar of the university, K.A. Hashim; Director of the Centre for Adult Continuing Education Extension, Dr. Supriya; Academy’s Honorary Director, R. Raja Moorthy, General Manager, K.P. Sivakumar and Manager (Coordination), Deepak M. are also seen.

In the initial stage a 100 hour certificate course and a diploma course having 200 learning hours will be conducted. The Academy will invite application forms and conduct the classes. In turn, the CACEE will conduct examinations. The 3-month-long Certificate course in Magical Art and Science will comprise of the history of magic, science of magic, showmanship, Close-up magic and Conjuring magic. The Diploma course in the art and science of magic, a 6-month-long one will have in its syllabus, illusion magic, too. Those who have passed SSLC or equivalent examination are eligible for an admission to the certificate course. Only those who pass the certificate course or those who have started performing magic on stage can join for the diploma course.

The 14-year-old Academy, popular as the Asia's first one of its kind, was established by Mr. Muthukad as per the foresighted guidances obtained from the late Malayattoor Ramakrishnan, who was a bureaucrat turned novelist. Since then the Academy has been offering a plethora of service to the magicians. This include, free accident insurance cover, educational scholarships for the wards of magic families and free magic gadgets for financially poor magicians. The Academy has pioneered the idea of using magic as an efficient medium for spreading virtuous messages including national integration, Gandhian thoughts and communal harmony. Currently, the Academy is led by Jnanpith laureate poet, O.N.V. Kurup as Patron. To the latest, Mr. Muthukad has embarked on 'Mission India', a 60-day voyage through the heart of India spreading messages of peace and harmony to battle terrorism and violence.

Classes are slated to begin by the end of this year. Application forms will be available in the month of October. For more information contact either Magic Academy, Poojappura (PO), Thiruvananthapuram 695012 Kerala or Centre for Adult Continuing Education Extension, Kerala University, PMG, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Tel: 0471 2358910, 9446078535.