The first Indian magic academy, which is coming up in Rajasthan, will be a reality soon, said noted magician Anand who is also the national president of the All India Magic Federation. He was here on Wednesday to perform mega shows at Vellore beginning on Friday (June 14), at the Anna Kalaiarangam.
Anand said the Rajasthan Government had accepted his proposal to establish the magic academy in the State as the Chief Minister was showing a lot of interest in reviving the dying art.
The purpose of the academy is to protect the art, the cultural heritage attached to it besides providing an impetus to thousands of magicians who had been sustaining on this profession. He said a lot of superstitions, misconceptions and social stigma attached to the profession should be dispelled through the academy. He also appealed to the State governments including Tamil Nadu, to set up magic academies to revive the ancient art form known to have originated in India.
The magician known for his speedy shows (29,000 stages to his credit across 36 countries so far) and three international records said speed, practice and ability to juggle the mind for a different dimension were its secret. The magicians of this country had survived the profession without government support for the past 54 years. Only with the public support this profession has survived and this is a great accomplishment for the profession.
Anand said the federation has a membership of over 16,000 that included 6,000 from Tamil Nadu and the government must extend all support to these artists. “I want more youngsters to take up this profession,” he said.
Anand announced that his son Akash Awasthi, who has obtained an MBA degree, would be his successor.