Awesome day for Australian guests

At the wonder world: Tourists from Australia, Mike Hill (centre) and Marden Dean (left) had a surprising as well as rousing welcome at the Magic Academy on 20th of January. No sooner they stepped into the Academy, Store-in charge of the Academy, magician Shahbaskhan Vilakath garlanded them with two floral chains produced from nowhere.


Grabbing the magic: Mike Hill and Marden Dean take footages of a magic show by the Honorary Director of the Academy, R. Raja Moorthy provided under 'Magic Tourism' project. "Terrific show. Looked amazing. Loved every moment. Thanks all at the Magic Academy", commented Mr. Mike before leaving.

Swedish visitors delight tiny tots

It's time for cakes: Visitors from Sweden, Jenny (left) looks on as Martin cuts a Christmas cake at the Magic Academy. Director of the Academy, R. Raja Moorthy (right) and Content Editor of Magic Weekly, K.P. Sivakumar are also seen.

Thiruvananthapuram: On 19th of December, Swedish couple, Martin and Jenny came to the Magic Academy guided by the ‘Lonely Planet’ travel book. Both of them are ardent travellers and while visiting the Academy only expectation for them was to get entertained by the Director of the Academy, R. Raja Moorthy. Instead, the pair became a matter of enjoyment for 20 child fans in magic who had gathered there for a monthly Preliminary Magic Course.

It took the Swedish visitors for a surprise when Mr. Moorthy invited them to join for a Christmas cake cutting. At first, Ms. Jenny cut the cake and offered a piece to 5-year-old Ponnus the junior most among the participants. The tiny tot, who was permitted on special grounds to sit along with her elder sister in the session was all on smiles. “Oh, cute”, Ms. Jenny commented placing the piece of cake between the lips of the small girl. Following this, Mr. Martin and the teacher of the day, magician Karamana Reghu joined Mr. Moorthy in cutting and distributing pieces of cake to the elder counterparts of Ponnus. Before returning, the visitors spent an hour enjoying close-up magic fiesta presented by Mr. Moorthy as part of ‘Magic Tourism’ project of the Academy.

Sweet cake for a cute girl: Jenny serves a piece of cake for 5-year-old Ponnus

Hospitable opportunities

Magic shows are among tourism commodities.

Hospitality trade is on a rise today. Government – both State and Central – are encouraging this part of commerce with due priority.

Hospitality is a service of composite nature. It encompasses all sorts of things that would be of interest, that can sooth the clientele. Ethnic food and tranquil place for stay or a placid lake and a posh houseboat are only pairs of commodities in the hospitality market. There is a new range of subjects that are of interest to tourists – both domestic and foreign. Among them, believe it, magic shows have a top position.

India is considered world over as an enchanting, charismatic land where one would find magic rooted deep in the society. Let us offer more magic for the visitors. It was not so long ago that the Magic Academy had launched the groundbreaking concept, ‘Magic Tourism’. Magic tourism serves contemporary as well as heritage magic shows for inquisitive guests. Ever since its launch a couple of years ago, the idea has been receiving tremendous response.

Look around, the number of new era hotels is on a rise. To excel in the market, these hotels need magicians, too. Opportunity is vast. Prepare a tailor made magic to suit the cabaret parties, luncheon meets and roof top extravaganzas.
If you haven’t yet, do acquire enough stock of close up magic to tap the bliss of this booming business. Set your own benchmark in table hopping. Then take a suitcase, pack your props and start reaping the immeasurable bounties.

[Editorial, Vismayam Magical News, January 2009]

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.

Street magic reaps success

Street magician from Delhi, Farooq (left) performing at Magic Academy Research Centre.

Thiruvananthapuram: Traditional street magic shows by veteran street magician from Delhi, Farooq and his younger son Rahi, were among hot commodities in the trourism market here. Their engrossing traditional street magic was caried to shores of Kovalam, lawns of star hotels and even yards of some homes. The exotic shows were available since Oct. Tourism peak being over, Mr. Farooq has returned to Delhi, dreaming a come back to Kerala for the next tourism season. He was given a sent off at the Academy the other day. Executive Director of the Academy, Gopinath Muthukad presented mementos to the father and son.

They have been provided accommodation and shelter at the Magic Academy's new offshoot, Magic Academy Research Centre (MARC) within government-owned KINFRA Film and Video Park.

Under the innovative Magic Tourism project launched jointly by the Academy and the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, the street magicians are promoted during the tourism season, for the second continous year.

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