Thiruvananthapuram: The well-known Magic Academy here, considered to be the first of its kind centre in the subcontinent for one to learn magical art, is all set to turn 25 years on Monday. The unique centre, envisaged for the promotion of magic as a performing art and also for the welfare of local magicians, was established under the aegis of renowned magician Gopinath Muthukad here on May 31, 1996.
The then cultural affairs minister T K Ramakrishnan had dedicated the institution, located at Poojappura, to the magic lovers with the objective of upholding the torch of science, dismantling superstitions and for popularising magic as an art and science. Eminent writer and former bureaucrat Malayattoor Ramakrishnan was the founding patron of the Academy, followed by Nobel laureate poet O N V Kurup.
Playing a key role in popularising magic among common people, the centre has helped remove its tag as a secret art connected to witchcraft and also to eliminate many superstitious beliefs associated with it. Besides imparting people the techniques of magic, the Academy, using magic as a platform, has conducted several awareness programmes on social issues, including against liquor and drug menace.
The courses offered by the magic academy had got the recognition from all over the world, a statement said here. The Academy established 'Magic Planet', the world's first of its kind magic museum, at Kazhakoottam here in 2014 as part of efforts to rehabilitate streets magicians and artists.
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