The art of magic is increasingly being associated with awareness programmes. Magician Nath has been utilising the art in his crusades against various social evils and unhealthy food habits.
The 55-year-old self-taught magician has conducted nearly 25,000 shows since 1980.
“Even while ensuring that my shows entertain the audience, I make it a point to convey a lesson through my performances. During my early days, I touched upon the issue of exploitation of the innocent by fake doctors and black magicians. I have gone on to participate in numerous other programmes, including those to create awareness of energy conservation, water scarcity, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and campaigns against suicides, among other problems that affected the people in the State,” he says.
He recollects the cancer awareness programmes organised by government agencies such as the Regional Cancer Centre in the tribal settlements of Palakkad, Wayanad and Idukki. “They were organised to make them understand the ill-effects of tobacco usage, which was prevalent in the areas. I was imparted training by medical experts prior to such performances. The positive influence my shows had on them is worthier than any recognition I could get,” Mr. Nath points out.
Of late, he has been focusing on the harmful effects of junk food among the public, especially children.
“For nearly 15 years, I have been focusing on creating awareness regarding food safety. Our public health has been seriously affected over the past 10-15 years. This is because of the consumption of unhealthy food products such as ‘porotta’ made using maida, instant noodles and biscuits. I regard fast foods as those that take us on the fast lane to death. Sadly, the government has failed in its responsibility to dissuade the public from consuming such products,” he says.
He has been assisted by his wife Reji Nath and sons, Bhagyanath and Jeevanath.
