Gopinath Muthukad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gopinath Muthukad
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| Born | 10 April 1964 Nilambur, Malappuram, Kerala, India
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| Nationality | Indian |
| Alma mater | N. S. S. College, Manjeri |
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| Spouse(s) | Kavitha Muthukad |
| Children | Vismay Muthukad |
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Gopinath Muthukad (born April 10, 1964) is a famous Indian magician and motivational speaker from Kerala. He uses magic to share important messages with people. Muthukad started the world's first magic academy, called The Academy of Magical Sciences. He also opened the first magic museum, Magic Planet, in Thiruvananthapuram.
In 1995, he became the first magician to perform an escape act like the famous Harry Houdini. That same year, he won the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi award. Muthukad has also received the International Merlin Award, which is a big honor for magicians.
He is the first person from Kerala to be named a special supporter by UNICEF. He helps UNICEF promote child rights in Kerala. In 2021, Muthukad stopped doing professional magic shows. Now, he focuses on helping people with different abilities. In 2022, he received the Kerala Sree Award, which is a very high award from the Government of Kerala.
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Early Life and Magic Journey
Gopinath Muthukad was born on April 10, 1964. He grew up in a small village called Kavalamukkatta, near Nilambur. His parents were Kunhunni Nair and Devaki Amma.
From a young age, he loved magic. He heard many stories about Vazhakkunnam, a great magician from Kerala. When he was 10, his teacher caught him doing magic in class. Instead of being upset, the teacher encouraged him to do his first show at school. Muthukad says this moment changed his life forever. He decided he wanted to be a magician, even though his father didn't agree at first.
After studying mathematics at N. S. S. College, Manjeri, he started law school in Bangalore. But his passion for magic was too strong. He left law school and moved to Thiruvananthapuram to follow his dream. His early years as a magician were tough. But he soon became known for his special way of performing magic. He has performed in over 8,000 shows in India and other countries. He has given magic a new purpose and meaning.
Amazing Projects and Efforts
Magic Academy: A School for Magic
The Academy of Magical Sciences, also known as Magic Academy, started in 1996. It is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This academy was created to help and promote the art of magic. It also aims to teach people to avoid superstitions and bad practices in society.
National Journeys for Good Causes
Gopinath Muthukad has led four big journeys across India. These journeys went from Kanyakumari in the south to Kashmir in the north. They included trips like Vismay Bharata Yatra (2002) and Mission India (2010). He also did many journeys within Kerala.
In 2024, he completed his fifth national journey called 'Inclusive India'. This trip was supported by the Indian government. He traveled over 22,000 km to spread the message of including people with disabilities.
Magic Planet: A Home for Magicians
Magic Planet is a special place in Thiruvananthapuram. It was built to help street magicians who were losing their jobs. It gives them a place to perform and share their amazing skills. Magic Planet also shows the public how wonderful and full of possibilities magic can be. It opened in 2014 and helps more than 200 artists every day.
Mpower: Magic for Special Talents
In 2017, the Magic Academy started a program called 'Anuyatra'. This program helps children with different abilities. It aims to bring them into the main part of society. Twenty-three children learned magic and formed a team called 'MPower'.
Their performances were so good that Magic Academy decided to create a permanent stage for them. This 'Mpower centre' was made with help from UNICEF. It trains these children and helps them develop their talents. It also teaches them life skills to become more confident. This is the first time in the world that a permanent magic center has been opened for specially-abled talents. The Mpower team even entered the INDIA BOOK OF RECORDS for their unique show!
Different Art Centre: More Talents, More Fun
The success of Mpower led to the creation of the Different Art Centre in 2019. This center is also in Thiruvananthapuram. It's a place for children with different abilities to explore all kinds of artistic talents. The center helps them find and improve their skills using special methods. When the audience cheers for them, it makes the children feel more confident and aware of their own strengths.
Working with UNICEF for Children
Gopinath Muthukad has been named a "Celebrity UNICEF Supporter." He helps UNICEF improve the lives of children in Kerala. He is the first person from Kerala and the first magician to get this honor. He was chosen because he can share important messages about child rights with many people. He works with UNICEF to make sure all children have chances to grow and reach their full potential.
Helping Elections with Magic
Muthukad has also been chosen as a State Icon for Kerala by the Election Commission of India. He uses his magic shows to teach people about the importance of voting. He helps people understand why it's important to take part in elections. He was the first person from Kerala to receive this honor.
Awards and Achievements
- Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award, 1995
- Prathibha Pranamam Honour by Kerala State Government, 2000
- Merlin Award from International Magician's Society, 2011
- Celebrity Advocate title from UNICEF for promoting child rights, 2016
- Kerala Icon by Election Commission of India, 2016
- Rashtriya Aavishkar Abhiyan Ambassador, 2016
- Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship, 2018
- Leader of the 21st Century finalist by San Francisco University, 2019
- Brand Ambassador for Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, 2020
- Kerala Sree instituted by Government of Kerala, 2022
- Kunjunni Award, 2022
- State SVEEP Icon of Kerala by the Election Commission of India, 2023
Books by Gopinath Muthukad
- Magic: History, Basics (a book about the basics of magic)
- Vazhakunnam Stories (stories about the legendary magician Vazhakkunnam)
- Math-Magic (a book about magic tricks using math)
- Easy-to-do magic tricks (a book with simple magic tricks for children)
- Ormakalude Manthrika Sparsham (his autobiography)
- Magical Mist of Memories (English translation of his autobiography)
- Magic Lamp
- India- Ente Pranaya Vismayam (a travel book)
- India- My spellbound love (English translation of his travel book)
Personal Life
Gopinath Muthukad is married to Kavitha. They have a son named Vismay Muthukad. He lives with his family in Thiruvananthapuram.
