Magic opens doors for disabled- Physically challenged troupe of illusionists ready to take the stage
A STAFF REPORTER
Guwahati, June 2: His is the classic story of the human spirit triumphing over adversity.
For 23 years, Prince Choudhury lived a difficult life made more dreadful by the fact that he is deaf-mute and unable to use one leg. But the tide seems to be turning for this physically challenged youth ? Prince is on the verge of embarking on a career as a professional magician after a successful six-month training stint at the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre in Guwahati.
Magician Sudhansu Das (right) showing one of the trainees how to do the sword-swallowing trick
Prince?s formal debut will be with the country?s first troupe of physically challenged magicians in New Delhi on September 23. The 15-member group was trained by city-based magician Sudhansu Das under a project financed by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard). An ecstatic Prince conveyed through an instructor at the rehabilitation centre that he was ?overjoyed? at learning something he had not even dreamt about. ?He is quite excited about the show in New Delhi and hopes to mesmerise the audience with his magic tricks,? the instructor said.
Another member of the troupe, Uma Roy, said she wanted to strike out on her own after improving her skills. Uma, who has a partial hearing problem, already feels confident on stage, having performed with the troupe at a few places as part of an ?acclimatisation programme? to drive away beginner?s nerves.
R. Lakshmana Samy, assistant director of the rehabilitation centre, said: ?Physically challenged persons have been professionally trained to perform magic shows on stage for the first time in the country and we are proud to have completed the project successfully.?
The official expressed concern over lack of employment opportunities for people with disabilities across the country. ?Given the situation, we focus on activities that physically challenged people normally do not participate in. Apart from the batch of magicians, we chose 15 people each for courses in flower designing and beauty treatment. We intend to start new courses in mobile, xerox machine and LPG stove repairing.?
The rehabilitation centre has identified over 23,000 physically challenged people under five categories ? orthopaedically challenged, hearing impaired, visually impaired, mild mentally challenged and leprosy-cured ? for training courses tailored to suit their strengths.
?Our aim is to access the residual abilities of physically challenged people and accordingly fit them into suitable jobs or self-employed ventures through vocational and educational training,? Samy said.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050603/asp/northeast/story_4818691.asp
Magical career option for jailbirds after release- ABRACADABRA
Jan. 27: The inmates of Guwahati Central Jail want to learn magic, more for professional reasons than do a Houdini’s act.
The novel idea struck the jailbirds after city-based magician Sudanshu Das cast a spell on them during a Republic Day show at the prison. Several of the 650 inmates have approached the organisers of the show — Forum for Total Development of North Eastern Das performs at a show
Region — to organise a workshop where they could learn magic.
Many inmates said they were keen on taking up magic as a full-time profession after serving their term.
“We instantly decided to conduct a workshop of seven to eight days in the jail when convicts like Madan Deka expressed his desire to take up magic as a profession,” Anoop Khanna, the co-ordinator of the forum, said.
Khanna said the forum has approached the jail authorities and got their verbal assurance to conduct the workshop as soon as possible. “Inspector-general (prisons) S. Doley and superintendent of police (city) Hiren Nath took keen interest on the show and assured their support in our future endeavours,” he added.
Magician Das, an active member of the forum, said the group would organise a magic show anchored by the inmates if it got official clearance to hold the workshop and train the convicts.
He said it takes regular and rigorous training for several hours to perfect the tricks of the trade. “The inmates have a better chance of becoming good magicians because they can practice for long hours in the jail,” he added. Yesterday’s show was organised as part of the forum’s endeavour to spread messages of social importance through magic.
The main idea behind the show was to spread the message of patriotism and provide some entertainment to the convicts. “Magic is a good medium to communicate a message as it captivates the audience,” Khanna said.
The convicts were initially very indifferent to the show, but gradually got into the groove as it progressed, he said.
At the end, the show had to be extended for another 30 minutes with the inmates refusing to let the troupe as well as the authorities pull down the curtain. There was nothing the magician could do but oblige.
As Das pulled one trick after the other out of his sleeves, jail superintendent Sariful Haque admitted that he had never in the recent past seen the inmates so happy.
The most popular item was the Chinese rings where the magician separated a set of conjoined rings. An inmate was asked to volunteer and as he held a chain of three rings with two hands the magician unhinged the locks in a split second.
Das said the message was clear — no bondage was strong enough to hold something forever. “There is freedom at the end of it all,” he told the convicts.
The forum, formed eight years ago by 11 people drawn from different walks of life, aims at transforming the lives of people through magic and create social awakening.
It is now planning to teach magic to a few handicapped people in the city for eking out a livelihood.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040128/asp/guwahati/story_2830974.asp
The novel idea struck the jailbirds after city-based magician Sudanshu Das cast a spell on them during a Republic Day show at the prison. Several of the 650 inmates have approached the organisers of the show — Forum for Total Development of North Eastern Das performs at a show
Region — to organise a workshop where they could learn magic.
Many inmates said they were keen on taking up magic as a full-time profession after serving their term.
“We instantly decided to conduct a workshop of seven to eight days in the jail when convicts like Madan Deka expressed his desire to take up magic as a profession,” Anoop Khanna, the co-ordinator of the forum, said.
Khanna said the forum has approached the jail authorities and got their verbal assurance to conduct the workshop as soon as possible. “Inspector-general (prisons) S. Doley and superintendent of police (city) Hiren Nath took keen interest on the show and assured their support in our future endeavours,” he added.
Magician Das, an active member of the forum, said the group would organise a magic show anchored by the inmates if it got official clearance to hold the workshop and train the convicts.
He said it takes regular and rigorous training for several hours to perfect the tricks of the trade. “The inmates have a better chance of becoming good magicians because they can practice for long hours in the jail,” he added. Yesterday’s show was organised as part of the forum’s endeavour to spread messages of social importance through magic.
The main idea behind the show was to spread the message of patriotism and provide some entertainment to the convicts. “Magic is a good medium to communicate a message as it captivates the audience,” Khanna said.
The convicts were initially very indifferent to the show, but gradually got into the groove as it progressed, he said.
At the end, the show had to be extended for another 30 minutes with the inmates refusing to let the troupe as well as the authorities pull down the curtain. There was nothing the magician could do but oblige.
As Das pulled one trick after the other out of his sleeves, jail superintendent Sariful Haque admitted that he had never in the recent past seen the inmates so happy.
The most popular item was the Chinese rings where the magician separated a set of conjoined rings. An inmate was asked to volunteer and as he held a chain of three rings with two hands the magician unhinged the locks in a split second.
Das said the message was clear — no bondage was strong enough to hold something forever. “There is freedom at the end of it all,” he told the convicts.
The forum, formed eight years ago by 11 people drawn from different walks of life, aims at transforming the lives of people through magic and create social awakening.
It is now planning to teach magic to a few handicapped people in the city for eking out a livelihood.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040128/asp/guwahati/story_2830974.asp
Disabled to work magic for a cause- Help for quake victims
Oct. 18: They have faced challenges early in life and have shown enough courage to emerge triumphant. And their immediate reaction to the devastating earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir is to offer a helping hand to the affected to build life anew.
The city-based Magic Troupe of Physically Challenged Persons will perform at a special show at the District Library auditorium on November 25 to raise funds for the earthquake victims.
Earthquake survivors in
Jammu & Kashmir.
The Magic Troupe is working
to help those affected
Magician Sudhansu Das, who was instrumental in forming this unique magic troupe comprising specially-abled persons, said the entire proceeds would be donated to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.
“This will be the troupe’s first performance to raise funds for any social cause and all the members are preparing diligently for the show,” said Das. “They are living examples of crossing all barriers in life and making oneself efficient enough to help others.”
The 15-member troupe, which is just a few months old, has been declared as the only one of its kind in the country.
Ranjit Bharali, a 24-year-old member of the troupe, said the idea was mooted to express solidarity for the victims of the killer quake. “We are wholeheartedly preparing for the show to make it a success. This is a small attempt on our part to touch the lives of the victims to rebuild their shattered homes,” he said.
The troupe members underwent a six-week training on magic under Das’ guidance as part of a project undertaken by the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre here.
The troupe won awards and accolades at Jadu Utsav 2005, the SAARC magic conference-cum-festival held in New Delhi recently. This was the only group among the 300 magicians at the international festival, that consisted solely of physically challenged members.
“The festival greatly contributed to enhancing the confidence level of the troupe members to perform in front of an international audience and simultaneously compete with the masters of the art,” said Das.
Some well-known names at the festival were Ustad Raja from Mauritius, Junior P.C. Sorcar from Calcutta and Tomy Manjooran from Dubai.
Ajay Boro, another member of the troupe, said: “We not only possess a skill to earn our livelihood, but can also extend our helping hand to others in times of need”.
The troupe is scheduled to perform at the four-day national-level festival for physically and mentally challenged persons organised by Project Anjali in Bhubaneshwar beginning on November 10.
The city-based Magic Troupe of Physically Challenged Persons will perform at a special show at the District Library auditorium on November 25 to raise funds for the earthquake victims.
Earthquake survivors in
Jammu & Kashmir.
The Magic Troupe is working
to help those affected
Magician Sudhansu Das, who was instrumental in forming this unique magic troupe comprising specially-abled persons, said the entire proceeds would be donated to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.
“This will be the troupe’s first performance to raise funds for any social cause and all the members are preparing diligently for the show,” said Das. “They are living examples of crossing all barriers in life and making oneself efficient enough to help others.”
The 15-member troupe, which is just a few months old, has been declared as the only one of its kind in the country.
Ranjit Bharali, a 24-year-old member of the troupe, said the idea was mooted to express solidarity for the victims of the killer quake. “We are wholeheartedly preparing for the show to make it a success. This is a small attempt on our part to touch the lives of the victims to rebuild their shattered homes,” he said.
The troupe members underwent a six-week training on magic under Das’ guidance as part of a project undertaken by the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre here.
The troupe won awards and accolades at Jadu Utsav 2005, the SAARC magic conference-cum-festival held in New Delhi recently. This was the only group among the 300 magicians at the international festival, that consisted solely of physically challenged members.
“The festival greatly contributed to enhancing the confidence level of the troupe members to perform in front of an international audience and simultaneously compete with the masters of the art,” said Das.
Some well-known names at the festival were Ustad Raja from Mauritius, Junior P.C. Sorcar from Calcutta and Tomy Manjooran from Dubai.
Ajay Boro, another member of the troupe, said: “We not only possess a skill to earn our livelihood, but can also extend our helping hand to others in times of need”.
The troupe is scheduled to perform at the four-day national-level festival for physically and mentally challenged persons organised by Project Anjali in Bhubaneshwar beginning on November 10.
Disabled kids spin magic web- Physically and mentally challenged children perform live on stage
A STAFF REPORTER
Aug. 9: Abracadabra....gili gili phooo....
As one magic trick after another mesmerised spectators at the packed auditorium of the International Convention Centre at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra today, audiences had no inkling that the magicians performing on the podium were bereft of “any magic” in their lives.
Special children present a dance at Sankaradeva Kalakshetra on Wednesday. Picture by Eastern ProjectionsTrained under magician Sudhansu Das, the first magic troupe of the country comprising physically challenged children, aptly proved that physical handicap can be won over by sheer determination and hard work and they, too, can be a part of mainstream society.
The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi) under its Cooperative Social Responsibility Scheme invited physically and mentally challenged children to perform magic, songs and dance numbers on their 12th Incorporation Day.
Chairman-cum-managing director of NEDFi, Kashi Nath Hazarika said, “Since our inception we have been associated with several social issues and working for physically and mentally challenged persons is one of them.”
NEDFi also donated Rs 4.71 lakh to the North East Disabled Development Society, an NGO, working to provide employment opportunities for the disabled. With this amount, the society will provide 25 mobile PCOs to physically challenged people to earn their livelihood.
Veteran singers Khagen Mahanta and Archana Mahanta were present on the occasion. The function also had a good dose of glamour as cinestar Kapil Bora anchored the show.
Students from nine NGOs of the city, under the banner of Pragati, enthralled the audience with songs and dance numbers. The function started with a dance performance on the Gayatri mantra by students of Saraswati Bagdhani, a school for the hearing impaired.
Silsila Das, an orthopaedically challenged singer of Sishu Sarothi, got a huge round of applause after her rendition of a melodious modern Assamese song. An emotional Das said, “I had never dreamt that the audience will appreciate my performance so much. I want to take up singing as a career and cut my own solo album.”
Mukul Chandra Goswami, the secretary of Ashadeep, a home for mentally challenged people, said, “NEDFi’s initiative of supporting the cause of physically and mentally challenged people will go a long way in creating a bridge between the challenged and normal citizens of society.”
A group of 15 physically challenged people underwent professional training on performing magic for a period of six weeks under a project of the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre in the city last year. Of the 15, five persons, Prince Choudhury, Haren Das, Ranjit Bharali, Monika Hira and Bhumita Saharia have formed their own troupe and performed across the country.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060810/asp/guwahati/story_6590825.asp
As one magic trick after another mesmerised spectators at the packed auditorium of the International Convention Centre at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra today, audiences had no inkling that the magicians performing on the podium were bereft of “any magic” in their lives.
Special children present a dance at Sankaradeva Kalakshetra on Wednesday. Picture by Eastern ProjectionsTrained under magician Sudhansu Das, the first magic troupe of the country comprising physically challenged children, aptly proved that physical handicap can be won over by sheer determination and hard work and they, too, can be a part of mainstream society.
The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi) under its Cooperative Social Responsibility Scheme invited physically and mentally challenged children to perform magic, songs and dance numbers on their 12th Incorporation Day.
Chairman-cum-managing director of NEDFi, Kashi Nath Hazarika said, “Since our inception we have been associated with several social issues and working for physically and mentally challenged persons is one of them.”
NEDFi also donated Rs 4.71 lakh to the North East Disabled Development Society, an NGO, working to provide employment opportunities for the disabled. With this amount, the society will provide 25 mobile PCOs to physically challenged people to earn their livelihood.
Veteran singers Khagen Mahanta and Archana Mahanta were present on the occasion. The function also had a good dose of glamour as cinestar Kapil Bora anchored the show.
Students from nine NGOs of the city, under the banner of Pragati, enthralled the audience with songs and dance numbers. The function started with a dance performance on the Gayatri mantra by students of Saraswati Bagdhani, a school for the hearing impaired.
Silsila Das, an orthopaedically challenged singer of Sishu Sarothi, got a huge round of applause after her rendition of a melodious modern Assamese song. An emotional Das said, “I had never dreamt that the audience will appreciate my performance so much. I want to take up singing as a career and cut my own solo album.”
Mukul Chandra Goswami, the secretary of Ashadeep, a home for mentally challenged people, said, “NEDFi’s initiative of supporting the cause of physically and mentally challenged people will go a long way in creating a bridge between the challenged and normal citizens of society.”
A group of 15 physically challenged people underwent professional training on performing magic for a period of six weeks under a project of the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre in the city last year. Of the 15, five persons, Prince Choudhury, Haren Das, Ranjit Bharali, Monika Hira and Bhumita Saharia have formed their own troupe and performed across the country.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060810/asp/guwahati/story_6590825.asp
Chhoo Mantar Therapy
An innovative programme for the disabled in Guwahati provides far more than an income alternative, reports TERESA REHMAN
WITH A deft flick of his wand, Prince Choudhury holds his audience rapt with the skilful sleight of hand of his repertoire. Little do they know that this masterful conjurer cannot hear their applause or that beneath his glittering costume he wears an artificial limb.
Prince is a hearing-impaired amputee, but his multiple disabilities haven’t stopped him from pursuing a career in magic. He and his troupe, the Magic Academy and Research Centre, were
Out of the box
Conjurers from the Magic Academy
and Research Centre at work and play,UB PHOTOS
all trained in a first-of-its-kind venture under the Rural Employment Development Programme, whose main objective is to develop innovative income-generating schemes for the disabled. “We think we have been quite successful — magic shows are in great demand and they are a big hit as they know no barriers of language, religion or creed,” says Debashree Bhattacharya, of the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre, where the troupe was trained. The troupe has successfully performed in Assam, Orissa and Delhi.
Teacher Sudhanshu Das says the troupe tries to include a public service message in every show, and can easily adapt their performances to suit the needs of NGOs. With earnings of between Rs 1,000-2,000 per head per show, most of the troupe’s members now want to become full-time professional magicians. Bhumita Saharia, 28, from Khoirabari village in Udalguri district had polio in her childhood and suffers from locomotor disability. She says being a magician makes her feel special and that she wants to go solo, even though that means taking a loan to buy the expensive props she’ll require. She laughs as she recalls a child who came up to her after a show and said, “I know the secret of all your tricks — you keep pet ghosts.” Her joy is a reflection of an aspect of her training that Das believes is critical: “Magic can be therapeutic,” he says. “It develops their self-confidence, it carries them through pain and frustration, and it is a fascinating mental and physical exercise.”
Every performance is a soothing experience for Monika Hira, 26, from Bahatabari village in Nogan district. Polio-afflicted in her left hand since she was six she says the way her audiences respond gives her a chance to forget her disability.
Jhil Choudhury, who runs an NGO for the disabled, says the stage fright he used to suffer from before he learned magic is now a thing of the past. “It was a challenge for me to master this art,” he exults. “I am now thinking seriously about becoming a full-time magician.”
IT HAS also been an invigorating experience for Das, who even learned sign language so he could communicate with all members of the troupe, regardless of their disabilities. “They have a sixth sense which helps them pick up things easily,” he says as he recalls his experience with Jagdish, a visually-impaired student.
Jagdish was able to execute most tricks with ease, but when it came to one that involved a burning candle, Das wanted to pass over it as he thought Jagdish might get hurt. But Jagdish insisted on performing the trick and, says Das, in the first go itself he sensed the warmth of the candle and manoeuvred around it. And, in spite of his multiple disabilities, Prince Choudhury has emerged as one of the troupe’s star performers. “He takes care of all of us and makes us laugh and dance whenever we are travelling,” says Das.
The transformation the members of the troupe have experienced has been magical. For two years running, they have been called on to be resource persons and to teach magic to children at the National Children’s Festival in Bhubaneswar in 2005 and in Rourkela in 2006. Das feels, “I can feel the phenomenal transformation in
them. They are now more poised and assured about their lives.”
http://www.tehelka.com/story_main34.asp?filename=cr201007CHHOOMANTAR.asp
Prince is a hearing-impaired amputee, but his multiple disabilities haven’t stopped him from pursuing a career in magic. He and his troupe, the Magic Academy and Research Centre, were
Out of the box
Conjurers from the Magic Academy
and Research Centre at work and play,UB PHOTOS
all trained in a first-of-its-kind venture under the Rural Employment Development Programme, whose main objective is to develop innovative income-generating schemes for the disabled. “We think we have been quite successful — magic shows are in great demand and they are a big hit as they know no barriers of language, religion or creed,” says Debashree Bhattacharya, of the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre, where the troupe was trained. The troupe has successfully performed in Assam, Orissa and Delhi.
Teacher Sudhanshu Das says the troupe tries to include a public service message in every show, and can easily adapt their performances to suit the needs of NGOs. With earnings of between Rs 1,000-2,000 per head per show, most of the troupe’s members now want to become full-time professional magicians. Bhumita Saharia, 28, from Khoirabari village in Udalguri district had polio in her childhood and suffers from locomotor disability. She says being a magician makes her feel special and that she wants to go solo, even though that means taking a loan to buy the expensive props she’ll require. She laughs as she recalls a child who came up to her after a show and said, “I know the secret of all your tricks — you keep pet ghosts.” Her joy is a reflection of an aspect of her training that Das believes is critical: “Magic can be therapeutic,” he says. “It develops their self-confidence, it carries them through pain and frustration, and it is a fascinating mental and physical exercise.”
Every performance is a soothing experience for Monika Hira, 26, from Bahatabari village in Nogan district. Polio-afflicted in her left hand since she was six she says the way her audiences respond gives her a chance to forget her disability.
Jhil Choudhury, who runs an NGO for the disabled, says the stage fright he used to suffer from before he learned magic is now a thing of the past. “It was a challenge for me to master this art,” he exults. “I am now thinking seriously about becoming a full-time magician.”
IT HAS also been an invigorating experience for Das, who even learned sign language so he could communicate with all members of the troupe, regardless of their disabilities. “They have a sixth sense which helps them pick up things easily,” he says as he recalls his experience with Jagdish, a visually-impaired student.
Jagdish was able to execute most tricks with ease, but when it came to one that involved a burning candle, Das wanted to pass over it as he thought Jagdish might get hurt. But Jagdish insisted on performing the trick and, says Das, in the first go itself he sensed the warmth of the candle and manoeuvred around it. And, in spite of his multiple disabilities, Prince Choudhury has emerged as one of the troupe’s star performers. “He takes care of all of us and makes us laugh and dance whenever we are travelling,” says Das.
The transformation the members of the troupe have experienced has been magical. For two years running, they have been called on to be resource persons and to teach magic to children at the National Children’s Festival in Bhubaneswar in 2005 and in Rourkela in 2006. Das feels, “I can feel the phenomenal transformation in
them. They are now more poised and assured about their lives.”
http://www.tehelka.com/story_main34.asp?filename=cr201007CHHOOMANTAR.asp
123oye.com
Magic Training - Magic Jobs and Career - Magician Training
Magic for Profession
R. Lakshmana Samy & Sudhansu Das
Since ages magic has been a part of our entertainment stream in India and the Magicians have been making the show as a remunerative economic activity. But in recent days magic as a profession is being used as a showpiece to attract gatherings and make money by using non-professional tactics and tricks. Such so-called magic shows lose their value and importance among the general public. In ancient time, magic was taught as a subject in Nalanda, Takshila and Avantipur Universities.
The field of magic survives today because of the efforts of a few magicians all over India. Prof. K.C. Pandey, President of Magical Academy of India and a practicing magician for 33 years, expresses his grief by saying that it is a "dying art." In India magicians have personally preserved this art without any support from the Government. The Government could have played a major role in promoting and developing, this art by opening academies/museums/ institutions. However, Mr. Sudhanshu Das a practising magician from Guwahati feels that there is still scope. "These days ft is difficult to find a magician who takes to the art of magic as a profession*. Magic is an art based on science and techniques. Prof Pandey takes immense pride in magic. It is beautified with the dexterity of hands and creates an illusion for eyes. One can do wonders with magic. It is a science of fun & frolic. The performance of magic eliminates superstition from the society and provides healthy entertainment, which is good for viewing of family members. It can be understood in spite of language barriers.
Of the younger lot, there are some who have the inclination to take magic seriously. However, they bear several misconceptions in mind. Once confronted with reality they wander away. Prof. Pandey says " Several young people come to learn magic since they believe that it's all about casting spells. They want to learn the magic to hypnotize a girl/boy of their choice. But when they come to know that magic is an art based on pure science and techniques, which requires investment in magical instruments and intensive practice, they disappear".
Competition in the entertainment industry is getting complicated day by day. Mr. Sudhanshu Says " with so much entertainment available, Magicians need to change and equip themselves suitably with latest magic materials and instruments, which involves huge expenditure. So any magician who has the talent of marketing • his magic performance needs good sponsors to make the show with illusive items and costumes". He may also practise magic in the from of Magic Therapy. It has worked wonders in the field of medicine. Moreover, the Physically disabled persons have gained lot through this therapy. If one has an innovative mind in this field, he/she has an attractive career even now. Prof. Pandey
claims that it is good career option is these days and in metro cities like Delhi, a magician can make anywhere between Rs. 5000/- to Rs. 10,000/- for a simple small scale show at birthday parties etc. " For corporate shows and other functions charges vary from Rs. 40.000/- to Rs. 3 lakhs and in either case a good magician can easily make a minimum monthly income ranging between Rs. 30.000/-to 50,000/-.
The younger generation generally gets training in magic personally from a magician. One cannot expect to learn magic only through books Prof, Pandey adds.' The practical training under the supervision of a good magician is a must to become a good performer and magic- entertainer". He suggests that a bachelor's degree in the fine art of magic should be offered by the Indian Universities after seeking necessary approval from University Grant Commission."
Abroad a Ph.D is available in the field of magic.
If disabled persons are given a suitable training with practical experiences by a Master trainer, who is otherwise a well known practising Magician, they can perform magic shows in colleges, schools, corporate houses, hospitals, jails and even in birthday parties and wedding ceremonies. By realizing its economic potential, VRS, Guwahati approached NABARD to recognize magic as an economic activity under Rural Entrepreneurship Development Programme and succeeded in the attempt. The Training has two modules, one for solo performance and another for Group performance and the duration of performance ranges from 1-3 hrs. The training programmes for the disabled is suitably designed by Shri Sudhansu Das, a well know practising magician who is otherwise an Engineer by profession. Such training for the disabled gets the attraction of the media and they in turn popularize their magic skill and abilities. It is worth viewing a hearing impaired person do the magic by following the music tune accurately during training period. Advance booking of magic shows are being done by corporate houses, schools and colleges.
Magic troopes are also in use and practice of Govt. departments such as Song and Drama Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for propagating various policies, programmes and themes such as peace, national integration and communal harmony, Health and Family Welfare, eradication of Social evils, prevention and control of AIDS/malaria/leprosy/T.B., Rural Development, education, women empowerment etc.
(R. Lakshmana Samy is Asstt. Director (Rehab. )VRC for Handicapped, Ministry of Labour & Employment. Guwahati and Sudhansu Das is a practising magician.)
R. Lakshmana Samy & Sudhansu Das
Since ages magic has been a part of our entertainment stream in India and the Magicians have been making the show as a remunerative economic activity. But in recent days magic as a profession is being used as a showpiece to attract gatherings and make money by using non-professional tactics and tricks. Such so-called magic shows lose their value and importance among the general public. In ancient time, magic was taught as a subject in Nalanda, Takshila and Avantipur Universities.
The field of magic survives today because of the efforts of a few magicians all over India. Prof. K.C. Pandey, President of Magical Academy of India and a practicing magician for 33 years, expresses his grief by saying that it is a "dying art." In India magicians have personally preserved this art without any support from the Government. The Government could have played a major role in promoting and developing, this art by opening academies/museums/ institutions. However, Mr. Sudhanshu Das a practising magician from Guwahati feels that there is still scope. "These days ft is difficult to find a magician who takes to the art of magic as a profession*. Magic is an art based on science and techniques. Prof Pandey takes immense pride in magic. It is beautified with the dexterity of hands and creates an illusion for eyes. One can do wonders with magic. It is a science of fun & frolic. The performance of magic eliminates superstition from the society and provides healthy entertainment, which is good for viewing of family members. It can be understood in spite of language barriers.
Of the younger lot, there are some who have the inclination to take magic seriously. However, they bear several misconceptions in mind. Once confronted with reality they wander away. Prof. Pandey says " Several young people come to learn magic since they believe that it's all about casting spells. They want to learn the magic to hypnotize a girl/boy of their choice. But when they come to know that magic is an art based on pure science and techniques, which requires investment in magical instruments and intensive practice, they disappear".
Competition in the entertainment industry is getting complicated day by day. Mr. Sudhanshu Says " with so much entertainment available, Magicians need to change and equip themselves suitably with latest magic materials and instruments, which involves huge expenditure. So any magician who has the talent of marketing • his magic performance needs good sponsors to make the show with illusive items and costumes". He may also practise magic in the from of Magic Therapy. It has worked wonders in the field of medicine. Moreover, the Physically disabled persons have gained lot through this therapy. If one has an innovative mind in this field, he/she has an attractive career even now. Prof. Pandey
claims that it is good career option is these days and in metro cities like Delhi, a magician can make anywhere between Rs. 5000/- to Rs. 10,000/- for a simple small scale show at birthday parties etc. " For corporate shows and other functions charges vary from Rs. 40.000/- to Rs. 3 lakhs and in either case a good magician can easily make a minimum monthly income ranging between Rs. 30.000/-to 50,000/-.
The younger generation generally gets training in magic personally from a magician. One cannot expect to learn magic only through books Prof, Pandey adds.' The practical training under the supervision of a good magician is a must to become a good performer and magic- entertainer". He suggests that a bachelor's degree in the fine art of magic should be offered by the Indian Universities after seeking necessary approval from University Grant Commission."
Abroad a Ph.D is available in the field of magic.
If disabled persons are given a suitable training with practical experiences by a Master trainer, who is otherwise a well known practising Magician, they can perform magic shows in colleges, schools, corporate houses, hospitals, jails and even in birthday parties and wedding ceremonies. By realizing its economic potential, VRS, Guwahati approached NABARD to recognize magic as an economic activity under Rural Entrepreneurship Development Programme and succeeded in the attempt. The Training has two modules, one for solo performance and another for Group performance and the duration of performance ranges from 1-3 hrs. The training programmes for the disabled is suitably designed by Shri Sudhansu Das, a well know practising magician who is otherwise an Engineer by profession. Such training for the disabled gets the attraction of the media and they in turn popularize their magic skill and abilities. It is worth viewing a hearing impaired person do the magic by following the music tune accurately during training period. Advance booking of magic shows are being done by corporate houses, schools and colleges.
Magic troopes are also in use and practice of Govt. departments such as Song and Drama Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for propagating various policies, programmes and themes such as peace, national integration and communal harmony, Health and Family Welfare, eradication of Social evils, prevention and control of AIDS/malaria/leprosy/T.B., Rural Development, education, women empowerment etc.
(R. Lakshmana Samy is Asstt. Director (Rehab. )VRC for Handicapped, Ministry of Labour & Employment. Guwahati and Sudhansu Das is a practising magician.)
They know how to magic! Guwahati, Nov 16
If you believe that the physically handicapped are the one section who always tends to stay as the beneficiary of any charity show, here is one rarity for the taking. They are a group of 16 physically challenged members and all are professional magicians who have amalgamated for a cause, which is, to provide relief funds for the earthquake affected people in Jammu and Kashmir.
Magician Sudhansu, who is leading this unique team of magicians, would be displaying his skills along with his colleagues in the city's District Library on Nov 26 and 27 next to raise funds for the show.
"I believe that during this hours of acute crisis, we must lend our helping hand in whatever ways we can and so I decided to organize this show", informed Sudhansu who has christened the group as MARC.
"We would be happy even if we can bring happiness to any one of the earthquake affected families", added Sudhangsu.
The show would be a unique one as all the magicians who are physically handicapped in one way or the other would perform in different ways suiting their abilities.
On being asked whether the physical disability poses any inconvenience to display their art, Sudanshu said, "It does initially but as a professional you should be able to overpower those thoughts and concentrate on your job and once you get involved nothing else matters".
The 16 Guwahati based magical mentors has also endeavored into training few other handicapped
children too from the cross section of the society so as to enable them to earn their livelihood.
"There is a huge demand of such child magicians as they can be hired to perform in birthday parties and already we have received such offers", informed Sudhangsu. Sudangsu is also slated to attend International Magicians Conference at New Delhi on Nov 23.
Date: Nov 16, 2005
Magician Sudhansu, who is leading this unique team of magicians, would be displaying his skills along with his colleagues in the city's District Library on Nov 26 and 27 next to raise funds for the show.
"I believe that during this hours of acute crisis, we must lend our helping hand in whatever ways we can and so I decided to organize this show", informed Sudhansu who has christened the group as MARC.
"We would be happy even if we can bring happiness to any one of the earthquake affected families", added Sudhangsu.
The show would be a unique one as all the magicians who are physically handicapped in one way or the other would perform in different ways suiting their abilities.
On being asked whether the physical disability poses any inconvenience to display their art, Sudanshu said, "It does initially but as a professional you should be able to overpower those thoughts and concentrate on your job and once you get involved nothing else matters".
The 16 Guwahati based magical mentors has also endeavored into training few other handicapped
children too from the cross section of the society so as to enable them to earn their livelihood.
"There is a huge demand of such child magicians as they can be hired to perform in birthday parties and already we have received such offers", informed Sudhangsu. Sudangsu is also slated to attend International Magicians Conference at New Delhi on Nov 23.
Date: Nov 16, 2005
