Magicians may pull a rabbit out of the hat, make something seem to disappear, or transform a red silk handkerchief into a green one. They may also perform feats like cutting a head off and then ‘restore’ it or make something appear to move from one place to another.
Call it magic, illusion or simply sleight of hand, it is an ancient form of entertainment that people connect with. V. Madhava Rao, a former engineer, is a magician who tweaks his shows a bit to make it a meaningful act that benefits scores of gullible people in rural and tribal areas.
“A magic show should be more than amusement,” asserts Mr. Rao who uses it as a powerful tool to spread the message of financial literacy among people, especially in villages and in tribal areas.
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After learning the rudiments from renowned magician Pattabhiram, Mr. Rao started performing solo and over a period, he realised that this unique entertainment mode could be effectively utilised to reach out to people and create awareness on how to manage their finances and utilise banking services in the best possible way thus avoiding exploitation by private money-lenders.
His purpose-oriented approach attracted many public sector banks since the programme was mutually beneficial to the banks and the public. “Private finance corporations and chit fund companies have been traditionally taking the gullible public for a ride. I realised the dire need to educate people on money matters and also on how they can instead rely on banks and the several schemes launched by the government for welfare of different sections,” he says, explaining how he went around remote villages and tribal thandas across the State cautioning people against walking into the trap laid by unscrupulous elements. “Since magic was the mode used to drive the message home, people enjoyed it and learnt through my shows,” he says.
Working with the Indian Overseas Bank, Andhra Bank, Syndicate Bank and NABARD, he made people understand the need for prompt repayment of loans and utilise the welfare schemes. He weaved ‘magic’ around schemes like the Jan Dhan Yojana, Suraksha Beema Yojana and the Jeevan Jyothi.
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A native of Kavali in Nellore district, Mr. Rao has to his credit thousands of shows that have gone well into the public over the years making them aware of key aspects that could bring in financial stability in their lives.
In appreciation of his service, he has won several national and international awards. “I want to educate people as long as I can as it gives me a sense of gratification,” says the ‘magician’ with a cause.