Magical experimentations are admirable: Defence Minister

A.K. Antony inaugurates Mass Magic Show for World Peace by Vismayam 2008 delegates


Defence Minister A.K. Antony, standing, front row, fifth from the right, sets free white pigeons, inaugurating a mass magical demonstration for world peace by the delegates of Vismayam 2008 in front of the Kanakakunnu Palace. Near him, on the left, is the Kerala Minister of Forest, Binoy Viswam. Also seen in the front row, (from third right): Chief organiser of Vismayam 2008, Gopinath Muthukad; Director of Tourism, M. Sivasankar and General Convenor of Vismayam 2008, M.B. Sanil Kumar.

Thiruvananthapuram: The 4th of May, the concluding day for the Vismayam 2008 was awakened by the fluttering of hundreds of pigeons. They, created magically from nowhere by the magician delegates of the event, flapped their wings and flew skyward, denoting eternity of the world peace – the much needed commodity of the hour.

While inaugurating the event, Defence Minister, A.K. Antony himself set free a white dove that was handed over to him. “I have been watching magical experimentations of Muthukad with great enthusiasm. It is admirable to have this sort of a magical feat for the sustenance of global harmony. Let us see how this magic brings in peace”, Mr. Antony said during his inaugural address.

Kerala Minister of Forests, Binoy Viswam chaired the function. Executive Director of Magic Academy, Gopinath Muthukad was present. Director of Tourism, M. Sivasankar welcomed the dignitaries and the General Convenor of Vismayam 2008, M.B. Sanil Kumar tendered vote of thanks.

India's first Palace of Magic to be soon built in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: While honouring traditional north Indian street magician tribes who have assembled to take part in Vismayam 2008 the global magic fair, Chairman of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), Cheriyan Philip announced that a Palace of Magic will be soon realised in Kerala. The magical palace, first ever in the country will be a joint endeavour of KTDC and the Magic Academy. "Proposal is already submitted to the Central Government and we are waiting for an immediate approval of the same", Mr. Cheriyan Philip told. He added that the chief objective of the Magic Palace would be to bring to limelight the glory of Indian magical heritage thereby ensuring sustenance of traditional street magic of the country.

Later he felicitated members of street magic troupes by offering 'ponnada', the traditional shawl of honour in Kerala. (See photos below). Executive Director of Magic Academy, Gopinath Muthukad and General Convener of Vismayam 2008, M.B. Sanil Kumar were present.

Magic tourism begins

Traditional street magician from Delhi, Farooq demonstrating with ease, the Great Indian Rope Trick before a group of school children on the open lawns of Magic Academy Research Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
The veteran street magician is staying in the city under the auspice of the Magic Academy, with th eobjective of getting economic prospects of the tourism season. The inaugural show was held at the Press Club of Thiruvananthapuram on 23rd Oct. Those who wish to have the traditional street magicians at their door step can contact the Academy at
Tel: 9447768535, 9447344886 or Email: magicacademy@gmail.com