'Monsoon Magic' begins its spell

Kerala Minister of Excise and Labour, P.K. Gurudasan lights a lamp to inaugurate 'Monsoon Magic', the ongoing state-level magical mission by Gopinath Muthukad at Kollam.

Even as the south-west Monsoon remain reluctant to show its prowess in Kerala, magician Gopinath Muthukad and team have started performing their duty with all beauty. 'Monsoon Magic' a combination magic show to reinforce awareness against seasonal epidemics was formally inaugurated by the Minister of Excise and Labour, P.K. Gurudasan on 6th June, at Sopanam auditorium, Kollam. "Do not forget what you see here on stage and apply these good messages in your life to prevent a morbid season ahead", the Minister said to the audience.

District Collector, A. Shajahan welcomed the dignitaries and District Information Officer, Nasar tendered vote of thanks. Dignitaries including District Panchayat President, Kollayi Sudevan were present. Earlier a rally was organised from the city centre to the auditorium.

The magical messaging will continue through district headquarters till Kasaragode, before concluding in Thiruvananthapuram on 21st.
Today the team is all set to perform 'Monsoon Magic' at Kottayam, well-known as the land of letters.

Alappuzha-based report published by The Hindu is here:http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/08/stories/2008060852330300.htm

'Monsoon Magic' brings a rain of awareness messages

Thiruvananthapuram: Maverick of magical messaging, Gopinath Muthukad along with his team has come up with a statewide tour with awareness magic shows against seasonal epidemics. The magical mission is held under the auspices of the Information and Public Relations Department (I & PRD). As part of the mission the Magic Academy will be presenting free magic shows titled, 'Monsoon Magic' in the district headquarters starting from Kollam on 6th June. After touring till Kasaragode, the mission will formally conclude in Thiruvananthapuram on 21st June.

Monsoon Magic will be a combination show that underlines the importance of preventing epidemic outbreaks, through environmental conservation. The show sends vehement call to observance of dry day to control mosquitoes, conservation of water and preservation of our environs green and tidy.

The performance begins by showing a mosquito biting a sleeping girl and tells how an epidemic spreads from one man to many others. The magician invites his spectators to join hands with the vector control mission. There is a magic number to show how dry day can be observed by keeping household utensils and vessels in an inverted position thereby preventing unwanted water from getting collected in them.

'Screen magic' and 'shadow stunt' are tricks based on light and sound technology. 'Screen magic' teaches about the judicious use of water, controlled application of plastic, hygienic preservation of food and prudent disposal of solid wastes. Towards the climax, the show introduces a Malayalee who breaks the bondages of diseases by upholding the slogan of pollution free Kerala.

The Monsoon Magic show ends with resonating verses of Sugathakumari in praise of the rain. On the magic stage, forming an enchanting backdrop for the show, will be a photograph by late Victor George who was a photographer with the Malayala Manorama.

Screened prior to the magic shows will be a video documentary released by the I&PRD on the second anniversary of the State government and a national integration video souvenir of Mr. Muthukad's Vismay Swaraj Yatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. An exhibition vehicle of I&PRD will also be set ready beside the magic venues.

Itinerary of Monsoon Magic: June 6 (State-level inauguration, Kollam), June 7 (Alappuzha), June 8 (Pathanamthitta), June 9 (Kottayam), June 10 (Idukki), June 11 (Ernakulam), June 12 (Thrissur), June 13 (Palakkad), June 14 (Malappuram), June 15 (Kozhikode), June 16 (Wayanad), June 17 (Kannur), June 18 (Kasaragod), June 5 (Formal culmination, Thiruvananthapuram).