Magic Camp kicks off in Kochi with an amazing Mathe-magic show

Sublime start: Legal luminary, retired Supereme Court Judge, V.R. Krishna Iyer inaugurates the summer magic camp at the library hall attached to the Traffic Training Park of the Ernakulam District Council for Child Welfare. He is flanked by (from left) Joint Secretary of the Council, V.M.Shamsudheen; Executive Director of the Magic Academy, Gopinath Muthukad; District Collector, Dr. M. Beena; Vice President of the Council, Sainaba Mammu; Assistant Development Commissioner, V.S. Soman; Committee member of the Council, M.M. Salim and Superintendant of the Park, K.P. Shaji.

Kochi: The summer magic camp for children jointly organised by the Ernakulam District Council for Child Welfare (DCCW) and the Magic Academy began here on 6th of April with a call by legal luminary, the Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer to use magic for unveiling truth behind fallacies and a stunning demonstration of magic in mathematics by the chief of the Academy, Gopinath Muthukad.

“Muthukad is making an admirable attempt to empower our younger generation. While learning magic, children should acquire the power to identify the truth of science behind everything we see in our life”, Mr. Krishna Iyer said during his inaugural address. “The reality remains within the visible exterior, and through learning magic, we get the power to see the inside of whatever we see”, he added.

District Collector and President of the DCCW, Dr. M. Beena presided over the function. She expressed the hope that the social responsibility upheld by the Magic Academy and its guide, Mr. Muthukad would reflect in the lessons imparted during the summer magic camp. Assistant Development Commissioner and Secretary of the DCCW, V.S. Soman welcomed the guests. Vice President of the Council, Sainba Mammu; Joint Secretary, V.M. Shamsudheen and committee member, M.M. Salim spoke on the occasion.

Mathe-magic
Soon after the inaugural function, it was the turn of Mr. Muthukad to stage a specially crafted magic show supported by mathematics and psychology. Four children were picked from the audience. While they formed a circle around magician with their eyes blindfolded, the magician took a paper and pen on which he wrote something apparently reading the minds of the four. The prediction was enclosed in an envelope and was clipped at the tip of a string that hung above a shallow vessel carrying differently numbered tokens from 1001 to 9999, by Dr. Beena.

Maths, Magic and Mind: A scene from the Mathe-magic show by Gopinath Muthukad.

Now the children were set free to approach the vessel carrying the heap of tokens and pick in random two tokens each in their hands. Now they had to write these numbers on the writing boards kept on two sides, on the stage. Sum of these numbers were calculated by the Dr. Beena and Mrs. Mammu. These totals were now written on a third writing board kept on the centre of the stage. The dignitaries worked out the total of these numbers, too. The final total was boldly written.

Now, as requested by Mr. Muthukad, Dr. Beena approached the envelope carrying the prediction and opened it. Now the paper was handed over to Mr. Iyer. He red it out alound through microphone and the number matched exactly with what was arrived on the board. Children, their parents and dignitaries were hugely impressed at the performance of the magician that surely pronounced that mathematics was a friendly subject. “See there is nothing supernatural with what I did. It is simply a play of mathematics that anybody can perform after thorough practicing”, Mr. Muthukad declared.

Caught in magic: Children who came to attend the summer magic camp seen engrossed by the the mathe-magic demonstration.

Following this video show titled, ‘The Greatest Illusions of Muthukad’ was held to demonstrate different faces modern magic. Then chapter first of the magical art was introduced before curious children by Mr. Muthukad who was supported by other faculties including Advocate Hariraj, Sreekumar and Ajith Kumar.

Day 1 at the magic camp plucks fruits and sweets from thin air

Magical production: A group of 12 little magicians stage a magical production at the Wonder World auditorium of the Magic Academy on 5th of April marking the inauguration of the Summer Magic Camp for children.

Thiruvananthapuram: The Summer magic camp for children organised by the Magic Academy was kicked off here on the 5th of April, with a brilliant performance by a team of 12 child magician. To do their job in style, all the 12 little prodigies came together towards the climax and performed a thrilling production magic.

Before getting into the climax number, they opened a wooden box and showed it empty. To further convince that nothing was inside, audience members were allowed to examine it to their satisfaction. Two members of the magic team, Thejas and Rahul closed the box. When opened, a little queen of magic emerged out of the box in a lightening speed. Clad in glittering costumes and wearing a crown, the little beauty threw a smile and waved her magic wand to produce a pot full of sweet preparation (Palpaayasam) and a bunch of ripe plantain fruit from nowhere. Together, the little magicians served these for the spectators.

Light of wisdom: Malayalam language expert, Dr. Ezhumattur Raja Raja Varma inaugurates the two-month-long summer magic camp by lighting a traditional lamp. From left: Chief Operator of the Magic Academy Research Centre, P. Thomas, Content Editor of this blog, K.P. Sivakumar and the Executive Director of the Magic Academy, Gopinath Muthukad.

Amazing the newcomers and their parents, were the child magicians Asmin, Alina, Anamika, Nadhiya, Nikhil, Rahul, Samson, Shanu, Rajeevan, Sidharth, Thejus and Rohith. Among them, Nadhiya was the first to enter the stage with her amazing trick of making unequal ropes equal in length. She also produced four flamboyant bouquets by just waving her towel. Following her, others in the team performed with talent and nobody wanted to be second to anyone. All of them have passed out of the lower and higher levels of summer classes conducted by the Academy during last year.

Earlier Malayalam language expert, Dr. Ezhumattur Raja Raja Varma inaugurated the summer magic camp. He said that magic was an art that could sprout creativity among its performers. “While performing magic one entertains as well as educates the audience with certain messages”, he added. Academy’s Executive Director, Gopinath Muthukad offered welcome address. Administrator, Arun Kumar G. expressed thanks. Following the function, first lesson in magic was unveiled before the participants by Mr. Muthukad.

The camp that offers scientific training in the art of magic at Poojappura and Kazhakuttam centres of the Academy would conclude on 31st of May.

Budding magicians: A group of 85 children of age group 10-15 have joined for the Summer Magic training at the Thiruvananthapuram and Kazhakuttam branches of the Magic Academy.

Magic Classes to begin with Mathe-magic feat

Kochi: Summer Magic Camp for children jointly organised by the Ernakulam District Council for Child Welfare and the Magic Academy led by ace magician Gopinath Muthukad, will begin on 6th of April. At 10.30am on the day, Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer will inaugurate the Camp at function to be presided over by the District Collector, Dr. M. Beena. The Library Hall attached to the Priyadarshini Traffic Training Park will be the venue.

Following the function, Mr. Muthukad will stage his latest feat in magic incorporating children gathered there. Christened, ‘Maths, Mind and Magic’, it’s a presentation combining intriguing elements of mathematics and sleights of hand.

In an interesting turn of the show, a team of blindfolded children will be picking at random, tokens heaped in a shallow vessel. With these numbers, children work out some mathematical problems on two writing boards. Now the challenge before the magician would be to predict the final answer of the lengthy calculations. Adding suspense will be an envelop hanging over the audience carrying a prediction written by the magician.

Through this performance, handed down to the children will be scientific poise to identify the deceit behind predictions made by certain people who claim to have superhuman abilities.

Performance by 12 child magicians

Thiruvananthapuram: A group of 12 child magicians will stage a performance to mark the beginning of summer magic camp at the Magic Academy. The two-month-long programme will be inaugurated by the language expert, Dr. Ezhumattur Raja Raja Varma at 10am on 5th of April at the Wonder World auditorium of the Academy. The function will be presided over by the Executive Director of the Academy, Gopinath Muthukad.

Following this, a dozen of child magicians will appear in dazzling costumes to present a special programmed named, ‘Vismayamadhuram’. Boy magicians, Nkhil Mathew Thomas, Rahul G., Samson Sunny, Mohammed Shanu A.R., Rajeevan R.J., Sidharth K., Thejas K., Rohith J.S. and girl magicians, Alina Gilton, Anamika Gilton, Nadhiya S.M. and Asmin Nayara are the performers. All of them are former students of the Academy. For those who have come to the Academy for learning magic, these child magicians will serve Palpaayasam, bunches of plantain fruits and different kinds of sweets – all produced from thin air.

Summer Magic Camp for children

Thiruvananthapuram: For children of age group 10-15, the Magic Academy’s Poojappura and Kazhakuttam branches organise summer vacation magic camp. The camp will be held during April-May at three centres: one in Kochi and two in Thiruvananthapuram.

Catching Cochin Kids

In Kochi, classes will begin on 6th of April and will conclude on 31st of May. Venue will be the Library Hall attached to the Priyadarshini Traffic Training Park governed by the District Council for Child Welfare (DCCW). The event will be inaugurated by the legal luminary, Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer at a function to be presided over by the District Collector, Dr. M. Beena at 10.30am on 6th of April. To give the initial thump, Gopinath Muthukad will present a stylish demonstration of Mathe-magic feat. In this remarkable show, children who gather there can also join the magician in making the magic happen.

The two-month-long programme is held with the support from the DCCW. Classes will be held from 10am to 4.30pm through Monday to Friday. This comprises of an hour long training in Yoga, couple of hours for scientific training in magical art and after noon sessions comprising of interesting creative sessions ranging from folk songs to origami and cinematography to acting.

For tots of Trivandrum

Venues for learning magic are two in this Capital city. Wonder World auditorium attached to the Magic Academy's headquarters at Poojappura and the Magic Academy Research Centre within the KINFRA Film & Video Park at Kazhakuttam are going to offer vacation course in magical art for children. Class timings at Poojappura will be from 9.30am to 4.30pm through Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Each day’s session comprises of Yoga (9.30am), scientific training in magical art (11am), practicing of magic (2pm) and a creative session comprising of juggling, origami, communication skills, origami (3pm).

At the MARC, classes will be from 8.30am to 1pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Eminent teachers

A team of eminent magicians led by magician Gopinath Muthukad will deal with the magic lessons whereas experts in corresponding areas will handle other sessions. At the end of the courses, there will be a practical test. Winners will get the Academy’s certificates. Meritorious students can join for a higher course through Sundays from June onwards.

The summer magic camp is designed also with an aim to inculcate social responsibility among children. The Academy looks forward to create a team of young conjurers capable of performing magic against tobacco, alcohol and drugs and to promote qualities like patriotism and communal harmony.

Interested children may submit their bio data with photograph at Poojappura or Kazhakuttam office of the Magic Academy on or before 27th of March. Mob. 9446078535, 9447768535 Email: magicacademyindia@gmail.com. In Kochi, contact place is the Park Office, Priyadarshini Traffic Training Park near Boat Jetty. Tel: 0484 2361050.

Magic camp for KV students

Thiruvananthapuram: The Magic Academy is organising a 10-day magic training camp for students of Kendriya Vidyalaya. Children of age group, 10-15 can participate. Classes will be held from 2pm to 4pm on Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 15th May to 5th of June.

The camp offers scientific training in the art of magic. Classes will serve mathematics and branches of science in a captivating format. Participants can also learn a few interesting hand tricks to enhance their power of concentration and memory.

Interested children may register their names on or before 14/05/09 at the following address: Magic Academy, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram 695012 Tel: 0471 2358910. Email: magicacademyindia@gmail.com.

Popularising magical art, promoting local magicians

Gopinath Muthukad, followed by Navodaya Pariseelana Kendram Director, Alexander arrive for a magic popularisation camp at Pathanamthitta.

Thiruvananthapuram: In asociation with the Adoor-based Navodaya Pariseelana Kendram (NPK), the Magic Academy has launched a statewide project for promoting local magicians and popularizing the magical art. The event comprises of free training on magical basics to children and magic show by local magicians. This programme was already held successfully in Karunagapplay (Kollam), North Paravur (Ernakulam), Ettumanoor (Kottayam) and Pathanamthitta. Magic shows by magician S. Sreekanth and girl magician Ammu were the attractions of the events. Executive Director of the Academy, Gopinath Muthukad’s classes were there, elucidating the basic lessons of the magical art. Participants of these free training will be offered with membership at the Magic Club of the Academy, said the chief of the NPK, Mr. Alexander.

Above: A young participant offers a bouquet of flowers to her magic teacher, S. Sreekanth at a camp held in North Paravur. Below: Girl magician Ammu performs magic to entertain participants at a camp at Karunagappally in Kollam.

New way of mind reading enthralls, educates children

Mind reading: Blindfolded children encircle the magician during the magic show at the Summer School 2009 in Thiruvananthapuram.

Thiruvananthapuram: Summer School 2009 organised by the State Public Library here, marked a magical beginning on 20th of April. Sprinkling magic to the inaugural ceremony, was Gopinath Muthukad. ‘Magic uncle’ was there with a new experimentation of reading minds of a group of his young fans by adeptly applying psychology and mathematics.

A shallow vessel of bell-metal carrying 9999 tokens of different four digit numbers were kept in the middle of the audience. The audience comprising of children, their parents, staffs of the Library and invited guests could see on the stage three writing boards, the magician and his assistants. Six children - three girls and three boys - randomly selected from the audience, entered the stage. Blindfolded, these children formed a human chain around the magician. Magician was then in a mood of deep contemplation. A few seconds of silence prevailed.

(Photo below) The Minister examining the prediction standing near 'Uruli' a traditional kind of shallow vessel in which are heaped 9999 differently numbered tokens.



Touching on their heads, the magician entered into the most important part: writing a prediction through reading the minds of children. He apparently did it, folded the prediction paper and inserted it into a white envelop. Education Minister, M.A. Baby was invited to the stage. Adding suspense, the Minister kept the cover suspend over the audience by clipping it at the tip of a chain.

The blindfolds were then removed and children were allowed to randomly pick two tokens each, from the broad vessel. Four-digit numbers found on their tokens were then written over two black boards on two sides, by the children. There were six numbers on one side and six on the other.

Then it was the turn of the former Chief Secretary of Kerala, C.P. Nair and the State Librarian, P. Suprabha. They summed up each set of numbers to obtain 33824 on one side and 19744 on the other. The sum total of these two numbers - 53568 - was also written on a board kept in the middle.

The Minister, on request of the magician, opened the suspending cover and took out the paper carrying the prediction. Entire audience watched with a bated breath as the minister announced through mike, the numbers he found on the paper. It was exactly, 53568. A thunderous clap followed and the magician stood in a shower of praise.


Minister's praise for the successful magician.

Elated, Mr. Muthukad gave this message to the children: “What I have done is purely magic based on mathematics and psychology. I do not have any superhuman power. Next time when you come to know about a prediction, please think about the possible science behind it, magic contained it.”

The minister said that Mr. Muthukad’s magic show was appropriate to the occasion since 2009 was the year of science, when the whole world celebrated the 200th birth anniversary of Charles Darvin.

Magic for summer camps

Summer vacations are fast approaching. It’s time for children to dare the sweltering heat and play as much as they want. After a term of devoted learning, such an occasion of fun and frolic is essential for better development of children. Their mind and body take essential leisure during such vacations.

It’s time when parents fear if the vacation would turn their children idle or the vacation camps their children have joined, would prove futile. No examinations, no routine tests, no dictations… yet gathering enormous knowledge. In common, this is what the vacation classes offer.

No need of such worries, since now a days there are plenty of ways for transforming a vacation period into occasions of learning through fun.

Another gladdening development is that in almost every children’s camp, special classes on magic have become a subject of importance, these days. Learning magic is never a torture, but a thrill for our kids. Thanks to the engrossing elements the art of awe has.

Learning magic means earning some unparalleled qualities. Magic boosts children’s self confidence and cultivates poise. Magic sparks thoughts and kindles creativity. Magic is an art – may be the only one – that can serve science, technology and theatrical talents with equal levels of captivation. So if your child has some magic to learn this vacation, there is something for you to be happy. Know that by just taking in a scoop of magic, your child is going to aspire a sea of good traits.

[Editorial of Vismayam Magical News, March 2009]

Psychological ways

A research scholar in Psychology and magical entertainer, Sherin V. George found a very new way of imparting personality development aspects among children. At the Magic Academy's Summer Magic Camp, he used a deck of cards and sleights of hand to find a captivating medium for communicating with children. Thus he kept the afternoon session lively. Not over, he had also handled the forenoon session earlier, training children on the presentation aspects of a few magic tricks.

Joy of juggling

Child students at the Magic Academy enjoy their hands on experience in juggling under the supervision of magical maestro, R. Raja Moorthy. This is as part of training the Academy offers in the afternoons in allied areas of art and science during the on going summer vacation magic camp. For many of these kids, trying juggling is for the first time in life.