Mission India voyage begins

Flag of inspiration: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan (third, right) entrusts the National Flag to Gopinath Muthukad, leader of the Mission India national voyage with free magic shows against terrorism and violence. Also seen are (from left), Director, Technical & HRD, V. Radhakrishnan; Regional Head of the Federal Bank, V.R. Madhavakumar; General Manager of the Indian Oil Corporation, P.M. Nazirudeen; Patron of the Magic Academy, O.N.V. Kurup; Cultural Minister, M.A.Baby; M.L.A., N. Sakthan and Vice Chairman of the Kerala State Youth Welfare Board, P. Sreeramakrishnan.

Thiruvananthapuram: Marking the formal inauguration of the Mission India voyage with free magic shows against terrorism and violence, Chief Minister, V.S. Achuthanandan entrusted the National Flag to the leader of the endeavour, Gopinath Muthukad at a function held here today (02/10/10). Janpeeth laureate poet and Patron of the Magic Academy, O.N.V. Kurup presided over the function. Cultural minister, M.A. Baby spoke on the occasion. The function was organised by the Kerala State Youth Welfare Board (KSYWB). “Gopinath Muthukad is a genius who has introduced magic as an effective tool for communication, one thing that was hitherto not so known to the world”, the CM said.

Multi-culture magic: Scenes from the Mission India magic show presented by magician Gopinath Muthukad and team.

Mr. Muthukad is leading a team of 25 artistes including 6 girls. The Academy is duly supported by the Indian Army, LIC, Indian Oil Corporation, Cochin Shipyard (CSL), Federal Bank and the HLL Lifecare. Through cantonments, the Army will provide food and accommodation for the voyage team whereas the IOC will fuel the three vehicles.

During Surise on the Gandhi Jayanti day, Mr. Muthukad and team offered a magical tribute at Gandhi Smriti following which the Kanyakumari district collector, Rajendra Ratnoo flagged off the voyage. Earlier, M.L.A., N. Sakthan released the voyage souvenir by handing over a copy to the Vice Chairman of the KSYW, P. Sreeramakrishnan. Mr. Muthukad welcomed dignitaries whereas Honorary director of the Academy, Chandrasenan Mithirmala delivered vote of thanks. Director, Technical and HRD of the CSL, V. Radhakrishnan; General Manager of the IOC, P.M. Nazirudeen; Regional Head of the Federal Bank, V.R. Madhavakumar and Sr. Divisional Manager of the LIC, Saji Paul spoke. Following the inaugural function, Mr. Muthukad staged 45-minute-long Mission India magic show. The CM watched it till the end and wished "all success for the magical feat" before he left.

Flag off: District Collector of Kanyakumari, Rajendra Ratnoo flags off the Mission India voyage at Kanyakumari a short while after sunrise on the Gandhi Jayanti Day.

Before the Kerala leg of the voyage concludes in Kasaragode on 16th, the Mission India magic shows will be demonstrated in district headquarters with the active participation of around 5000 youth clubs affiliated to the KSYWB. After the Kerala part, the entourage will travel by three vehicles to the heart of India.

The 60-day-long voyage will culminate in Chennai on 30th of November with a show organised by the Army.

A curtain raiser of the Mission India was fittingly staged on the terrace of the Taj Hotel in Mumbai on 24th of September with the memorial of 26/11 making a perfect backdrop for the magic stage. Then the Governor of Maharashtra, K. Sankaranarayanan formally declared the magical feat.

The Mission India is going to be Mr. Muthukad’s fourth national endeavour of using magic as a medium for driving in messages. Vismay Swaraj Yatra of national integration messages in 2002, Gandhi Mantra disseminating Gandhian philosophies in 2005 and the Vismay Swaraj Yatra reliving glorious chapters of the freedom movement in 2007 are his glaring previous feats. In Kerala, Mr. Muthukad has performed on pertinent social themes including literacy, health, hygiene, environment and dismantling of superstitions.

Making our art speak

Art can speak. Painter, actor, dancer puppeteer make their performances speak. A magician too does this.

In this process of communication, if other theatrical performances need the spectator to be a little knowledgeable, magic doesn’t need such a prerequisite. Even an illiterate enjoys magic to the same level as a pedagogic literate does.

Magic can promulgate complex ideas and common man’s ideologies with the same degree of ease. For example, magic shows can promote intricate products of the modern world. The same magic sends a simple idea on traffic rules.

Messages when conveyed through a magic show enjoys a permanent place in the hearts of the viewers. The feel of amazement has a big power to crack open even the strongest barriers. Thus magic and its message get ample space in the hearts of the spectators.
Wonders created by a deft magician prompt the spectators to ponder again and again. They become inquisitive. As long as this inquisitiveness is there, the messages of the magic show too haunt them.

Magic shows are capable of communicating ideas beyond the language barriers. Ideas communicated during a magic performance are visual than verbal; psychological than physical and enduring than ephemeral.

Here comes the December of dazzling magic shows. Let us add some enlightening messages on the showbiz.
[Editorial of Vismayam Magical News, November 2009 issue]

Sensitization is better than prohibition: Excise Minister

Excise Minister, P.K. Gurudasan (fourth from left) and officers of his department watching the final rounds of rehearsals for the street play to be staged as part of statewide 'Stop SAD' programme conceived by Gopinath Muthukad. Karivellur Murali, the script writer for the play is on extreme left.

Thiruvananthapuram: Minister of Excise in Kerala, P.K. Gurudasan has said that his department would choose the option of sensitizing the public than prohibiting alcoholic drinks. “Prohibition has been a failure many times in the past thereby proving it impracticable’, the Minister told media persons here today. Prohibition could only result spread of spurious liquor, he reminded. He was addressing a news conference, announcing ‘Stop SAD’ a new project by Gopinath Muthukad to be staged on a moving magic theatre all over Kerala.

The programme under the auspices of the Excise Department would start from tomorrow onwards. In a situation of grave economic recession, people should not waste their heard earned money for procuring alcohol, drugs and tobacco, the Minister said. People of Kerala had been suffering from severe sets backs with agriculture and industry. So the new endeavour was his Ministry's earnest attempt to guide the society to a healthier tomorrow. On roping in the service of Mr. Muthukad, the minister said that he [Mr. Muthukad] had been in the fore with an exceptional physical as well as mental set up devoted for the cause of social service.

‘Stop SAD’ would be a combination show of magic and street play. At 12 noon tomorrow, the Chief Minister, V.S. Achuthanandan will be inaugurating the statewide trip of moving magic theatre, at a function to be held at the Institution of Engineers’ Hall here.

Magic Academy to fight against terrorism

Magic to keep away the evils from campuses in Kerala.


Wings of peace: Minister of Forest, Binoy Viswam inaugurates Gopinath Muthukad’s magical mission against terrorism, by joining for a magical item of producing pegions of peace from nowhere.

Kannur: Magic Academy’s initiative of performing magic shows for inspiring college students against the ugly demons of terrorism, was inaugurated by the Minister of Forests, Binoy Viswam.

The function held on 22nd November at the premises of historic Brunnen College at Thalassery, was resplendent of the huge anguish the people of Kerala have against terrorism. A piece of paper written ‘terrorism’ was placed inside an empty vessel and burnt into ashes. When the Minister closed the vessel with a lid and opened, appeared was a pigeon, the winged symbol of lasting peace. The function was followed by debut performances at the Brunnen College and the Engineering College, under the auspices of the Kannur University Union. Besides student leaders, Superintendent of Police, Sreejith was also present.

The Academy has selected to perform this unique magic shows before college students, since the primary target of terror recruiters are found to be the youngsters.

“Extremism never achieves a solution”, “Terrorism is not heroism, but cowardice” “Extremists have a faithless mind that is loveless, too”, “Terrorists cannot protect, but destroy only”, goes on the messages propagated through the magic shows.

A healing touch at an impoverishing monsoon

Bringing magic to the tribal settlements


Gopinath Muthukad enjoying the company of tribal chieftain and his people at a hamlet near Marayur.

Marayur, Idukki: When their home-made sugar candies were turned into magic-made chocolates by their guest, children of the tribal settlement found their surprise touching the sky.
It was none other than Gopinath Muthukad who became a magical guest at the tribal settlements here at Iruttalakkudi, Eechampetty, Puthukkudi, Vellakkal, Thayanamkudi and Olikkudi. Not only they could watch magic shows, but also their parents could receive household commodities, as free gift.
The programme was organized jointly by Thodupuzha-based voluntary organization, Fuji Ganga’ and the Magic Academy.


Fuji Ganga-sponsored free supply of commodities being inaugurated by Muthukad.


Standing close to their hearts, Muthukad performed magic for entertaining this ethnic sect.

Tribal members were impressed by an item through which Mr. Muthukad taught how gardens could be grown in the place of Ganja cultivations. When Ganja leaves were symbolically burnt and a bunch of flowers were produced from the ash, eyes twinkled of huge surprise on the faces of kids. Everyone agreed to what the magician has conveyed about the menace of alcohol and drugs. Through another trick, the magician called for identifying the evil forces who try to exploit tribal populace for selfish gains.


Bringing a mission traversing arduous trails...

This is the only region in Kerala having groups of ancient 'Muthuva' tribes. Rain brings only agony to them. Knowing this, for around three hundred tribal families, Fuji Ganga provided over 4000kg of rice, free of cost. Ladies were provided with Saris whereas old-aged received dhotis. Pamphlets carrying awareness messages against drugs were distributed. Earlier, the chieftain of the tribal hamlet, Thankaraj offered a traditional reception to the guests with his people performing tribal dances.
Panchayath President, Arogya Dhas and his vice, V.P. Joseph have a common ambition of continuing the magical awareness programme among the entire 28 tribal settlements under the aegis of the Panchayat. Tribal co-ordinator, V.P. Joseph; Fuji Ganga Secretary, Sunil Raj; treasurer, Sarath along with members of Fuji Ganga attended the programme.

Secluded, sanctified moments at the bosom of mother nature...

The magical team reached the hamlets after trekking for over an hour and a half through steep trails. A large crowd of all ages including women and children watched the entire length of the magic show, despite a menacing drizzling.

Tribal families offer a sensational farewell to the magical visitors.

Illusion stunt on the street against drug abuse and tobacco menace

An ill-fated drug addict floats at the brim of a burning cigarette


Pledge on the magic stage: Minister of Home and Tourism, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan (second from right) reading out an anti-narcotic pledge. M.L.A. V. Sivankutty (right), Inspector General of Police, Arunkumar Sinha (second from left), City Police Commissioner, Ravada Chandrashekhar and Gopinath Muthukad are also seen.

Thiruvananthapuram: A drug-addict youth brought to the stage carried on the shoulders of his aides, was suspended at the tip of a burning cigarette, in public view. That marked an amazing as well as dramatic beginning to Gopinath Muthukad's public show of his latest illusion against drug abuse and tobacco use on the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, yesterday.

Hundreds of people - majority of who were residents of Karimadom colony could find still more scenes of amazement, on a makeshift stage setup at one corner of the busy East Fort. They could not believe their eyes when, the cigarette pierced the youth's dorsal first and protuberated upward, piercing his stomach. Hanging from all over his body were syringes and sachets of tobacco products. The ill-fated man remained suspended in the air, reminding the spectators of an important message: not to allow drugs to have a place in their lives. Quite fittingly, in witness of this grave magical scene, the Minister of Home and Tourism, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan read out a pledge for the people to take.


Imbibing a message: People of all ages throng at the magic venue with equal enthusiasm.

Mr. Muthukad's public performance of this latest illusion was organized by the City Police as part of its Community Policing programme. Earlier Mr. Balakrishnan inaugurated the programme that was presided over by M.L.A., V. Sivankutty. Inspector General of Police, Arunkumar Sinha, City Police Commissioner, Ravada Chandrashekhar and Assistant Commissioner, Sasikumar spoke on the occasion. The residents of Karimadom colony came to the venue, leading a procession.