Saturday 2 October, 2010

Mission India voyage begins

Flag of inspiration: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan (third, right) entrusts the National Flag to Gopinath Muthukad, leader of the Mission India national voyage with free magic shows against terrorism and violence. Also seen are (from left), Director, Technical & HRD, V. Radhakrishnan; Regional Head of the Federal Bank, V.R. Madhavakumar; General Manager of the Indian Oil Corporation, P.M. Nazirudeen; Patron of the Magic Academy, O.N.V. Kurup; Cultural Minister, M.A.Baby; M.L.A., N. Sakthan and Vice Chairman of the Kerala State Youth Welfare Board, P. Sreeramakrishnan.

Thiruvananthapuram: Marking the formal inauguration of the Mission India voyage with free magic shows against terrorism and violence, Chief Minister, V.S. Achuthanandan entrusted the National Flag to the leader of the endeavour, Gopinath Muthukad at a function held here today (02/10/10). Janpeeth laureate poet and Patron of the Magic Academy, O.N.V. Kurup presided over the function. Cultural minister, M.A. Baby spoke on the occasion. The function was organised by the Kerala State Youth Welfare Board (KSYWB). “Gopinath Muthukad is a genius who has introduced magic as an effective tool for communication, one thing that was hitherto not so known to the world”, the CM said.

Multi-culture magic: Scenes from the Mission India magic show presented by magician Gopinath Muthukad and team.

Mr. Muthukad is leading a team of 25 artistes including 6 girls. The Academy is duly supported by the Indian Army, LIC, Indian Oil Corporation, Cochin Shipyard (CSL), Federal Bank and the HLL Lifecare. Through cantonments, the Army will provide food and accommodation for the voyage team whereas the IOC will fuel the three vehicles.

During Surise on the Gandhi Jayanti day, Mr. Muthukad and team offered a magical tribute at Gandhi Smriti following which the Kanyakumari district collector, Rajendra Ratnoo flagged off the voyage. Earlier, M.L.A., N. Sakthan released the voyage souvenir by handing over a copy to the Vice Chairman of the KSYW, P. Sreeramakrishnan. Mr. Muthukad welcomed dignitaries whereas Honorary director of the Academy, Chandrasenan Mithirmala delivered vote of thanks. Director, Technical and HRD of the CSL, V. Radhakrishnan; General Manager of the IOC, P.M. Nazirudeen; Regional Head of the Federal Bank, V.R. Madhavakumar and Sr. Divisional Manager of the LIC, Saji Paul spoke. Following the inaugural function, Mr. Muthukad staged 45-minute-long Mission India magic show. The CM watched it till the end and wished "all success for the magical feat" before he left.

Flag off: District Collector of Kanyakumari, Rajendra Ratnoo flags off the Mission India voyage at Kanyakumari a short while after sunrise on the Gandhi Jayanti Day.

Before the Kerala leg of the voyage concludes in Kasaragode on 16th, the Mission India magic shows will be demonstrated in district headquarters with the active participation of around 5000 youth clubs affiliated to the KSYWB. After the Kerala part, the entourage will travel by three vehicles to the heart of India.

The 60-day-long voyage will culminate in Chennai on 30th of November with a show organised by the Army.

A curtain raiser of the Mission India was fittingly staged on the terrace of the Taj Hotel in Mumbai on 24th of September with the memorial of 26/11 making a perfect backdrop for the magic stage. Then the Governor of Maharashtra, K. Sankaranarayanan formally declared the magical feat.

The Mission India is going to be Mr. Muthukad’s fourth national endeavour of using magic as a medium for driving in messages. Vismay Swaraj Yatra of national integration messages in 2002, Gandhi Mantra disseminating Gandhian philosophies in 2005 and the Vismay Swaraj Yatra reliving glorious chapters of the freedom movement in 2007 are his glaring previous feats. In Kerala, Mr. Muthukad has performed on pertinent social themes including literacy, health, hygiene, environment and dismantling of superstitions.

2 comments:

Thomas Kandanat said...

Wishing Muthukad and his team for a great success journey.

thomaskandanat@gmailcom

Magic Academy, India said...

Dear Thomas Sir,
We are honoured at your words of goodwill!
-Magic Weekly