Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

International award for Muthukad

Thiruvananthapuram: City- based illusionist and stunt performer Gopinath Muthukad has been selected by the International Magicians Society (IMS) of the US for the International Merlin Award this year.

He is the second Indian magician, after P.C. Sorcar Jr. of West Bengal, to receive the award.

Magician Franz Harary who is on the Board of Directors of IMS announced the award at a press conference held at Delhi. The Merlin Award to magic is what Oscar is to cinema, a press note quoting Mr. Muthukad said.

The jury selected Mr. Muthukad for his contributions to the development and popularisation of magical art and science over the last 35 years. These include setting up of Asia's first Magic Academy in Kerala in 1996; organising a series of international magic conventions titled, Vismayam in 1996, 2000, 2006 and 2008; innovation brought to magical demonstrations; re-enactments of several Houdini stunts and magical sensitisation campaigns held all over India for fostering social values and Gandhian philosophies.

Mr. Muthukad had used magic to campaign against tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse. He has performed in 25 countries. The press note said the award would be presented by IMS World President IMS Tony Hassini on June 23 in New Delhi at a ceremony under the aegis of Mazma, a society for the uplift of traditional magic and performing arts in India.

Magicians from all over India will perform at the event. The award comprises a statuette designed in 1968 by Carol Michaud.

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