Meaningful ‘Mission India’ gets litterateurs’ praise

Words worth: Poet, Sugathakumari gives her suggestions to magician Gopinath Muthukad (second right) after the latter's final trial staging of the Mission India magic show in Thiruvananthapuram. Poet and Patron of the Magic Academy, O.N.V. Kurup and Dr. George Onakoor are also seen.

Thiruvannathapuram: Final round of rehearsals for the Mission India magic show conceived by magician Gopinath Muthukad to spread messages of peace and harmony to defeat terrorism and violence was staged today (01/10/10) in front of an august gathering comprising of literary luminaries.

Patron of the Magic Academy ONV Kurup, Sugathakumari, Perumbadavam Sreedharan, V. Madhusudanan Nair, Puthussery Ramachandran, Dr. George Onakoor, Dr. Aranmula Hariharaputhran, cine director, Sathyan Anthikkad; Soorya Krishnamoorthy and Prof. V.N. Murali were there to witness the final trial staging of the show. The show began with imparting the insight that the value of our culture was its ready receptiveness to cultures around.

Spectators were wonderstruck to see an ancient hermit meditating in the midair and saint Thoma Sleeha alighting to life from a life size portrait. When a curtain carrying the holy messages raised and lowered, appeared there was a Mughal emperor. Magical scenes also taught that division among people was a phenomenon imported by imperialist ships who invaded our shores long ago. Also brought back are the poignant tales of freedom struggle. The show concludes giving an inspiring knowledge that religious conflicts do not match to the secular composure of a country like ours. Instead, religions should form a vibrant spectrum of adornment to our country like rainbow on the sky.

Outside Kerala, the show will be presented in the regional languages of various States. Mr. Muthukad and team had a photo session with dignitaries. With a little excess emotion, Mr. O.N.V. Kurup blessed Mr. Muthukad to have a victorious voyage. “This is definitely a wonderful experimentation. Gopi will come out victorius” said Ms. Sugathakumari. Finally the litterateurs sat together and offered a handful of personal advices to the magician, before they dispersed.

Tomorrow (02/10/10) a free demonstration of the Mission India magic will be held for public at 11am at the Tagore Theatre. On the occasion, the Kerala State Youth Welfare Board (KSYWB) will convene a function at which, Chief Minister, V.S. Achuthanandan will entrust the National Flag to Mr. Muthukad. The function will be presided over by O.N.V. Kurup. Cultural Minister M.A. Baby will deliver keynote address. KSYWB will offer venues for the Kerala leg of the voyage until it concludes in Kasaragode on 15th. Around 5000 youth clubs affiliated with the KSYWB will participate in the State leg of Mission India.

One team, one dream: Mission India voyage team on a photo session with eminent writers after the final rehearsals of their specially crafted magic show.

For conducting the 60-day voyage, the Magic Academy is supported by Indian Army, LIC of India, Indian Oil Corporation, Federal Bank, Cochin Shipyard Ltd., HLL Lifecare Ltd. The voyage will culminate in Chennai on 30th of November. The Army will provide food and accommodation at cantonments whereas the fuel for the three vehicles will be provided by the Indian Oil Corporation.

At the Sunset on the Gandhi Jayanti day, Kanyakumari district administration will organise Mr. Muthukad’s magical tributes at the Gandhi Smriti. # # #