Magic Academy nurtures social responsibility and scientific poise: Minister

Duely honoured: Minister for Law and Sports, M. Vijayakumar (second right) presents the Magic Academy's lifetime achievement award 2009 to magician Junior Mandrake (Mani Antony) at the Wonder World auditorium of the Academy on 6th of March. From left: Gopinath Muthukad, Dr. George Onakoor, Junior Mandrake and Chandrasenan Mithirmala.

Thiruvananthapuram: Magic was an art that never kept its audiences bored, said the Minister for Law and Sports, M. Vijayakumar. This was the reason that prompted him to visit the Magic Academy again and again. The Academy through its diverse activities, was growing scientific poise and social responsibility, the minister added. Mr. Vijayakumar was speaking after presenting the Indrajala Pratibha Puraskaram, a lifetime achievement award instituted by the Academy to veteran magician Junior Mandrake. The award comprised of a purse of Rs.10000, a memento designed by artist Bhattathiri and a certificate of honour.

Free magic wares: Rs.5000 worth magic equipments were given for free to financially backward, but much forward in magic talent, Albin Roshan (left) of Kannur and Sudheesh S.A. of Thiruvananthapuram.

The Academy was in fact a realization of his guru, Vazhakunnam Neelakandan Namboodiri’s unfulfilled dream of establishing a school of magic, Mr. Mandrake said in his reply speech. Hence an award from the Academy was so dearest to him, the magician said. During his presidential address erudite scholar, Dr. George Onakoor opined that the Academy has introduced before society, the charm and beauty of the magical art.

Supporting education: Magic Academy's educational scholarships were distributed to (from left) Renuka B. Menon, Palakkad; Lijina, Kannur; Sabura, Alappuzha; Abi Shejrik Fasla, Wayanad and Sujith Kumar, Thiruvananthapuram

Ashwin Raj Elanjimattom (Ernakulam), Sanjusha Satheesh (Kozhikode), Yadunath Palliyath (Kasaragode) and T.B. Haridas (Thrissur), winners of a state-level magic competition held in Kochi, were presented with the Academy’s medals. Their performance followed the function. Eearlier, the executive director of the Academy, Gopinath Muthukad welcomed the guests and honorary director, Chandrasenan Mithirmala recorded vote of thanks.

Winners' pride: (From left below) State-level Vazhakunnam memorial competition winners, Ashwin Raj Elanjimattom, Sanjusha Satheesh, Yadunath Palliyath and T.B. Haridas receive Magic Academy's medals from the Minister, M. Vijayakumar.

Jr. Mandrake to receive Magic Academy award tomorrow

Thiruvananthapuram: Minister of Law and Sports, M. Vijayakumar will be presenting the Magic Academy’s lifetime achievement award for magician Junior Mandrake at a function to be held at 6pm, tomorrow the 6th of March at the Wonder World auditorium of the Academy. The function will be presided over by erudite scholar Dr. George Onakoor.

The award consists of Rs.10000, a memento designed by artiste Bhattathiri and a certificate of honour. On the occasion, winners of Vazhakunnam memorial State-level competitions will be honoured. Junior magicians Ashwinraj Elanjimattom (Ernakulam), Sanjusha Satheesh (Kozhikode) and senior magicians, Yadunath Palliyath (Kasaragode), T. B. Haridas (Thrissur) will receive the honour.

Renuka B. Menon of Palakkad who among the magicians’ children achieved meritorious results at the S.S.L.C. will be issued a two-year educational scholarship of Rs.2500 per year. Magic wares worth Rs.5000 will be issued free of cost to financially backward magicians, Albin Roshan (Kannur) and S.A. Sudheesh (Thiruvananthapuram). The function will be followed by a magic show by four prize-winning magicians. Entry to these shows will be open for all.

Kerala magicians may apply for award and welfare

Magic Academy comes up with annual award and aid for magicians of the State

Thiruvananthapuram: The Magic Academy has invited applications from eligible magicians for its annual award for the year 2009. Applications enclosed with copies of newspaper reports and other testimonials in support of the eligibility, may be forwarded either directly or through orgnisations. The award comprises of a purse of Rs.10000 plus a certificate of honour. Contributions till December 2009 will be considered.

Financially backward magicians can submit their applications for availing free supply of magic wares. These applications must be enclosed with valid income certificates issued by the village officer.

Children of magicians who could secure meritorious results in S.S.L.C. or equivalent examinations in 2009 can apply for a two-year scholarship worth Rs.2500 per year. Attested copies of relevant mark lists should be submitted along with such applications.

All the above applications should reach the Chief Welfare Officer, Magic Academy, Poojappura (PO), Thiruvananthapuram 695012 on or before 15th of January. Phone: 0471 2358910 Email: magicacademyindia@gmail.com.

Magic to be included in the school curriculum to tackle superstitions: M.A. Baby

Magician P.M. Mithra receives 'Indrajaala Puraskaram 2008', the Magic Academy's first ever award for best contributions in the field of magic, from the Minister of Culture, M.A. Baby (second from right)in Thiruvananthapuram. Also seen are (from left) Academy's Executive Director, Gopinath Muthukad, Secretary, Krishnapillai Foundation, Dr. Ezhumattur Rajaraja Varma, Patron of the Academy, O.N.V. Kurup and Director of the Academy, magician Chandrasenan Mithirmala.

Thiruvananthapuram: Education Minister, M.A. Baby has told that he was determined to include magic as part of the syllabus in schools. He told that even though he was unbothered of the possible criticism to boldly do this with the major aim of dismantling superstitions. "New generations should be free of misconceptions. Our generations should no longer fall prey to any God men who pretend to have some supernatural abilities", Mr. Baby added. The Minister was talking after presenting ‘Indrajaala Puraskaaram’, the first award instituted by the Magic Academy for gross contributions in magic, to magician P.M. Mithra. The Minister also told that he has already held discussions with Gopinath Muthukad regarding the inclusion of magic shows as a demonstration item during school youth festivals.

During his presidential address, the Academy’s patron, poet O.N.V. Kurup has praised Mr. Muthukad’s endeavour of admiring one of his counterparts, even as crab nature was a curse among all fields of life. Mr. Kurup's suggestin to give more recognition from the Cultural ministry to the art of magic, was readily accepted by the Minister.

Mithra gives award money for a noble cause



During his reply speech, Mr. Mithra dedicated his achievement to his parents who had helped him during the past and to his wife Ansa for her supports now. In an admirable gesture, he handed over the entire cash award of Rs.10000 to the Cultural Minister, as a donation for the Bumper Lottery promoted by the Cultural Ministry for the welfare of artistes in the State.

An enthralling performance by Magic Academy's Director, magician R. Raja Moorhty.

Secretary, Krishna Pillai Foundation, Dr. Ezhumattur Raja Raja Varma offered felicitations. Following the function a magic show by the Academy’s Director, R. Raja Moorthy became an enthralling experience. Earlier Mr. Muthukad welcomed the guests and magician Chandrasenan Mithirmala tendered vote of thanks.