Casting a spell

KOCHI: Government's agenda is not to promote liquor consumption in the state. Our aim is to build  a generation that is free from addictions,” said Oommen Chandy, inaugurating the valedictory function of the five-day long 'Magic with a mission' programme on November 23-27.  The event, that saw renowned magician Gopinath Muthukad performing, was organised by Magic Academy, Excise Department, Kochi Corporation, All Kerala Yuvajanakshema Board and District Administration at Town Hall. The programme that was held in the city as part of an awareness campaign against liquor, cigarette, tobacco consumption among students was a huge success. About 5000 students from more than 120 schools from the city participated in the same.“More people like Muthukad should come forth to fight against social evils like this,” added the Chief Minister. The five-day long programme included various awareness classes for students conducted by clinical psychologists, counsellors and doctors. “We want to send a strong message against drugs. Out of the students participating in the event, we will be selecting a few students from different schools and through them we will be to taking forward our message,” said Sujeev from Magic Academy.The evening literally saw magic from world famous magician Gopinath Muthukad. What made it unique and impactful for the audience was that the acts came with definite social message. An act worth mentioning is the syringe magic where a boy gets trapped inside a syringe and then vanishes into thin air. In another act a boy gets trapped inside a big liquor bottle and returns as a skeleton. The valedictory function, was presided over by Hibi Eden MLA, while Excise Minister K Babu gave the de-addiction message. A de-addiction cell was also formed. Director Siddique gave out the de-addiction oath. District Collector Sheikh Pareeth, Mayor Tony Chammany, State Yuvajana Kshema Board member Madhusoodhanan Asari, Excise Joint Commissioner M A Francis also spoke on the occasion. 'Magic with a mission' has been planned in other districts as well.