Gopinath Muthukad

Gopinath Muthukad
Born (1964-04-10) 10 April 1964[1]
Kavalamukkatta, Pookootumpadam, Nilambur, Kerala, India
Nationality Indian
Occupation Magician, illusionist and motivational speaker
Title Executive Director of Magic Planet
Spouse(s) Kavitha Muthukad
Children Vismay Muthukad
Website Gopinath Muthukad Official site

Gopinath Muthukad is a magician, escapologist, life coach, and motivational speaker from Kerala, India. He employs magic as a medium to convey his messages to public. He founded the first magic academy of Asia at Thiruvananthapuram. He won the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy award in 1995. He is also a winner of the International Merlin Award instituted by the International Magicians' Society.[2]

Early Life

Gopinath Muthukad was born on 10 April 1964 in Nilambur.[3] He was instilled the passion for magic by his father, Kunjunni Nair, who was a farmer by profession. At his young stage, He told the young Muthukad about the stories of Vazhakunnam Namboothiri who was one of the great magicians in Kerala. Inspired by this, being a graduate in Mathematics Muthukad took the career of Magic very seriously that he had to finally set aside his Law college course for the pursuance of a magical career. He is one of the very few magicians in the Country who have given a new meaning and dimension to the science of magic. His debut on the stage as a magician was at the tender age of 10. After this debut performance itself, he began to be noted for his unique styles of presenting magic. Muthukad has completed his graduation in Mathematics from N.S.S College, Manjeri and it was while studying for law that he discontinued it in between and decided to take up magic as a career.

Motto

Muthukad at India Gate.
Magic for Society

Muthukad has a unique motto, ‘Magic with a Mission’. Upholding this motto, he has been using magic as a successful tool to spread virtuous ideals among masses. Four national voyages he has undertaken include, Vismaya Bharatha Yathra (15 August to 31 October 2002,) Gandhi Mantra (2 October to 26 January 2005), Vismaya Swaraj Yatra (2 October 2007 to 30 November 2007) and his latest voyage is Mission India (2 October 2010 to 30 November 2010). The Vismaya Bharatha Yatra was to foster the sense of national integration from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, covering a distance of 22,500 km by road through 22 States in India. The Gandhi Matra journey was to distribute seven prominent messages of Mahatma Gandhi in 22 States and one Union Territory. The distance traversed was 34,500 km. Gandhi Mantra’s worthiness was furthered owing to its foreign stages in countries including UK, France, U.A.E., Qatar, Oman, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives. His mission continued towards the heart of India. His next magical journey Vismay Swaraj Yatra, was supported by Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and the Ministry of Defence. As part of this the magical entourage led by magician Muthukad has traveled through the topographical extremities of the Nation by a bus and a lorry. They have staged magical tributes to great martyrs of the 1857 first war of Indian independence. Teachings on the lives and messages of martyrs, Bhagat Singh, Mangal Pandey, Tantia Tope and Birsa Munda were taught through these magic shows. Finally he expanded his thoughts against country's terrorism and violence in the name of Mission India and carried his messages all over India. Mission India is a 60 days magical voyage with the support of Ministry of Defence to abrogate terrorism and violence.The mission marked a poignant curtain raiser on the terrace of Taj Hotel, Mumbai.

Muthukad aged 10 performing magic
Muthukad performing magic at his young age 10

Magic Shows & Expeditions

Gopinath Muthukad has performed 8000 plus stage shows in his 42 years career excellence throughout the Country and the rest of the World with his unique motto of ‘Magic with a mission’.

National Integration Magic Shows

Muthukad uses magic as a medium to connect with audiences. He utilizes magic in a useful way to moral values and awareness among populace. His motto 'Magic with a mission' is a proof to show how passionate he is about his profession as a magician. With his ultimate passion for the art and his wisdom of using the skill for good purposes, Muthukad has emerged as a role model for his counterparts. Some of his important shows on the national level are Vismaya Bharatha Yatra, Gandhi Mantra, Vismaya Swaraj Yatra and the latest one being Mission India. These shows were performed as voyages meaning that they were performed in many parts of India according to the theme of the show.

Vismaya Bharatha Yathra

Vismaya Bharatha Yathra was a show meant to develop a good sense of national unity even in the midst of diversity for entire India from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. This show was performed on road through 22 states in India from 15 August to 31 October 2002.

Gandhi Mantra

Gandhi Mantra was to educate people about seven noted messages that were taught by the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. This show was performed in 22 states and one Union Territory from 2 October to 26 January 2005.

Vismaya Swaraj Yatra

Vismaya Swaraj Yatra a show dedicated as a tribute to the great Indian soldiers and freedom fighters who sacrificed their life for the peace of the country and its citizens. He has successfully completed Vismay Swaraj Yatra, a journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari with magic shows reliving the rousing stories of India's freedom struggle from 1857 to 1947. Lives and messages of freedom fighters including Mangal Pandey, Bhagat Singh and Tantia Tope were staged all over India travelling a distance of 24500 kilometers along the geographical, cultural and linguistic diversities of the great Indian sub continent. .

It was at 11a.m. on 5 November 2007 that Magician Muthukad and his team set a world record by performing the Indo-China friendship magic show at Nathu La Sikkim, a historic trade corridor 14,400 feet high in the Himalayas. The magic team set this record after battling climatic challenges of low pressure, deficient oxygen and freezing temperatures. His performances have earned him admiration from national leaders of India, including President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Muthukad with Hon. President of India, Shri. APJ Abdul Kalam
Muthukad with Hon. Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, 2012
Greeting Chinese soldiers at Nathu La Pass, 14400 feet atop Gangtok, Sikkim, after a magic show.

Mission India

Muthukad latest magic show was ‘Mission India’. A 60 days voyage focuses on the major worldwide issues such as terrorism and violence. This magic show has been supported by the Ministry of Defense to try out all possible ways to curb terrorism and violence. As the terrorist attack in Mumbai took place few years back at Taj Hotel, the Mission India magic show started off the voyage with a painful curtain raiser on the terrace of the hotel. This magic show was performed from 2 October to 30 November 2010.

State level Magic Shows

Stop SAD (2009)

Mr. Gopinath Muthukad is also famous for his magical shows performed at state level. ‘Stop SAD’ a 30 minutes free magic show was staged by him on a modified truck in the vulnerable areas, slums and bus stations. The intention of the show was to send strong messages to people against the ill effects of Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs. He reached entire Kerala through district headquarters from Trivandrum to Kasaragode. The event was organized under the department of excise, Government of Kerala.

Monsoon Magic (2008)

Monsoon Magic main objective was to sensitize the public about how rain-borne diseases could be prevented. From the effective show, the spectators got wakeup call not to throw scraps of household utensils, empty coconut shells and tyres on public places. This prevents mosquitoes from breeding in the water that would collect in these materials. The event was organized under the Information and public relations Department. Anti-Drugs, Anti-Tobacco Illusion (2008) For intimating public against the social curses of Drug abuse, illicit trafficking and tobacco products, renowned magician Muthukad staged an illusion stunt at crowded bus stand on 26 June 2008 at the international Day against Drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The show was organized by the Kerala state police as a part of their community Policing programme.

Bringing magic to the tribal lives (2008)

In order to bring smile on the faces of the tribal population, Muthukad staged a significant magic show that educates tribes against Ganja cultivation and narcotic proliferation among tribal settlements. The magical mission was held under Fuji Ganga, a well-known voluntary organization of the locality.

Light of truth for the youth (2008)

As a magical empowerment to Youth against superstitions and misbelieves, Muthukad has staged a magic show all over Kerala titled ‘Yuktijaalam’ under the auspices of Kerala State Youth Welfare Board. The show was aimed at nurturing scientific poise and self-confidence among college students and unemployed youths. We the People (2011) The magic Academy along with the Election commission of India organized a 25 minutes magic skit titled ‘We the People’ with a purpose to exercise the right to vote. The main objective is to make the people understand democratic process is evitable in the modern world. The film actor Shri. Suresh Krishna also took part in the role of despot at the skit.

Other Magical Shows

Gopinath Muthukad was also the chief organizer of 'Mazma', the first ever festival of traditional street magicians of India held in Thiruvananthapuram during 10 and 11 December 2005. He has also been the chief organizer for many international magic festivals. Muthukad's latest edition in the magical world is termed as Muthukad's World of Magic, he has moved out from the national level to the global level. The new magic entertainment show has been formed to reach out to the public on an international level. What makes him different from other magicians is his tendency to think innovatively and also his passion to use magic not just for popularity but also to nurture magic in a way that it can be used as a means of social service. It is these qualities and visions which have earned Muthukad the title 'Man of Magic'.

Stage shows

The latest edition of his stage magical extravaganza titled, 'World of Illusions' is described as an Indian magic show with an international dimension.

He conducted the propeller escape act on 31 October 2012. The show was organised by Muthukad’s Magic Academy to commemorate the legendary Harry Houdini and also to mark the tenth anniversary of an ‘escape act’ of Muthkad’s which had flopped.

Charitable Activities

On the 30th anniversary of his career in magic, Muthukad extended his charity works and contributed more to the development of the society in his own ways. His modest nature is shown in the way he has handed down his knowledge in magic to determined youngsters, though his nature of his has also made many of his counterparts quite envious.

Writings

Gopinath Muthukad is not only a renowned magician but also an excellent writer and has written the first ever book on Magic in Malayalam language titled as 'Magic-What? How?’ He is the first magician to give a magical performance based on the autobiographical book of President, Dr A.PJ Abdul Kalam titled Wings of Fire. Muthukad is also the editor of Vismayam Magical News which is a monthly edition meant for printing all news about the world of magic. In 1999, he wrote Ganitharamante Kusruthikal, a book based on Math-magic. All his books have been published and are in great demand. Muthukad is also the first Indian magician to have written his autobiography. The book has been written under the title 'Ormakalude Manthrika Sparsam' meaning Magical Touch of Memories.

Books

  1. Magic: History, Basics (a book depicting the basics of the art of magic)
  2. Vazhakunnam Stories (a book depicting the stories of the great legendary magician Vazhakkunnam who was a master to Muthukad).
  3. Math-Magic (a book on mathematical magic)
  4. Easy-to-do magic tricks (a book illustrating easy magic tricks for children)
  5. Autobiography: Ormakalude Manthrika Sparsam

Ambassador & Advocate

UNICEF

Gopinath Muthukad has been conferred "Celebrity UNICEF Supporter" [4][5] status to join the efforts of the UN agency in improving condition and status of children in the state. Muthukad, is the first Keralite and the first magician to receive the honour. The status was conferred to Gopinath Muthukad at a function held here on Tuesday (January 12, 2016), in which chairperson of Kerala state commission for protection of child rights Sobha Koshy presented the letter of confirmation and UNICEF chief for Kerala and Tamil Nadu regions, Job Zachariah honoured him with a plaque.

Election commission

Magician Gopinath Muthukad has received the honour from the Election Commission of India. He was appointed as ambassador for the election commission to take the importance of election to the common populace. He has got felicitated in a function held on 17 January 2016, Sunday at New Delhi. The incredible social commitment and dedication for art has taken in to account for this great honour.

Recognition & Awards

  1. First Kerala State Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award in 1995.
  2. Akshaya Puraskaaram offered by Akshaya Pusthaka Nidhi in 2000.
  3. Prathibha Pranamam Honour by Kerala state government in 2000.
  4. Muscat Municipality's Award of Excellence in 2001.
  5. Rotary Vocational Excellence Award (2002–03)
  6. Entry into the LIMCA Book of Records in 2003.
  7. Humanity Service Award from Anti-Smoking Society, Qatar in 2004
  8. Lions Excellence Award in 2005.
  9. Kerala Legislative Assembly's Memento in 2005.
  10. Icon of Illusions Honour, Press Club of Nagercoil in 2007.
  11. Merlin Award from International Magician's Society in 2011.

World record

It is noteworthy that he along with his magic team could set up a world record during the ‘Vismaya Swaraj Yatra’ by performing the Indo-China friendship magical show at Nathu La, Sikkim at a height of 14400 ft. after travelling more than 24000 km throughout India covering a wide array of rich cultural and geographical destinations of the Sub-continent. This record has also acquired Muthukad a lot of praise and appreciation from the national leaders of India such as Dr Manmohan Singh and Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam.

Ventures


Magic Planet

Magic Planet – the first entirely magic-themed complex in the world – designed for children to experience science, technology, art and literature through magic, is coming up in Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram. The unique edutainment centre being built at the Kinfra Film and Video Park near Kazhakkoottam will be opened to the public on 31 October which is observed worldwide as Magic Day in honour of Harry Houdini. Magic Planet’s mascot, a bespectacled young magician, has been named ‘Harry’ in a nod to the celebrated illusionist and escape artist. Magic Planet has been conceptualised by The Academy of Magical Sciences – Asia’s first institution to offer formal training in magic – as a space where children can engage in creative exploration and experience the magical aspects science, mathematics and literature through a number of fun activities. The complex, spread over 1.5 acres, will house a number of attractions including a museum, an underground tunnel, a mirror maze, shadow plays, a virtual supermarket to build mathematical skills, a children’s park, a food court, theatres for live performances and an R&D centre. Magic Planet is coming up on India’s first infotainment industrial park which is spread over 75 acres of land and contains the first special economic zone for animation and gaming.

Magic Academy

Magic Academy Thiruvananthapuram

Magic Academy, described widely as the first of its kind in Asia, is established and run by him in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. The Magic Academy Research Centre (MARC), the only centre of excellence in magical art, is situated in the government owned KINFRA Film and Video Park away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If Magic Academy is abode to many a number of modern magic, MARC is famous as a home to heritage magic of India including the Great Indian Rope Trick, the Green Mango Trick, Cups and Balls, Indian Basket and several innovative street magic routines.

His inclination towards innovation and showmanship has transformed him into an icon of imaginative magic. His readiness to use magic as a means for social service has earned him the unique title: 'Man of Magic'. It was this quality that has prompted him to do more charity work while celebrating the 30th anniversary of his magical career.

References

  1. ↑ "Gopinath Muthukad Official Site". Retrieved 20 August 2016.
  2. ↑ "2011 Yearbook". International Magicians Society. Archived from the original on August 20, 2016. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
  3. ↑ "Muthukad melds magic and mantra". Retrieved 20 August 2016.
  4. ↑ http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/muthukad-conferred-celebrity-unicef-supporter-status-116011200728_1.html
  5. ↑ http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/muthukad-conferred-celebrity-unicef-supporter-status-%A0%A0/1/568563.html
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