International Magicians Society (IMS) of US, the world's largest magicians' organisation, has selected noted Magician and stunt performer Gopinath Muthukad of Kerala for this year's prestigious International Merlin Award.''Famous illusionist and the Board of Director of IMS, Franz Harary formally declared the award. The Merlin Award to magic is what Oscar is to cinema,'' according to a press release here today.
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| Gopinath Muthukad |
The Jury of IMS has selected Mr Muthukad for paramount recognition in recognition of the inimitable contributions the magician has made for the development and popularisation of magical art and science during his 35 years of professional career.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 held all over India in 2002, 2005, 2007 and 2010 for fostering social values and Gandhian philosophies.Muthukad employs magic as a medium to convey his messages to society. He is also noted for his staunch crusades against social evils of tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse. Mr Muthukad has performed in 25 countries.
