Earthquake survivors in Jammu & Kashmir. The Magic Troupe is working to help those affected

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.

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.